Cost of living in Boston
Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and prestigious educational institutions. As a major urban center, understanding the cost of living in Boston is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the city.
The cost of living in Boston can vary significantly depending on various factors such as housing, dining, transportation, and more. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $120, with prices ranging from $70 to $200.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.8 to $12, imported beer $7.5 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.33.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.31 and $7, with an average price of $4.42.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $6, averaging $4.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.7 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.6 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $7.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $4.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.4 and $4.5, with a monthly pass priced between $90 and $130.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.7, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.73 per km and $28 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2700 to $4000, averaging $3319.42.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $3000, averaging $2453.85.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4400 to $7000, averaging $5435.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $5000, averaging $3666.25.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5800 to $16145.87, averaging $11330.62.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4833 to $10763.91, averaging $6691.12.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $122.78 and $303.57, averaging $200.87.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $125, with an average cost of $72.31.
Cost of Living Rankings
Boston ranks 5th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Boston is considered an expensive city to live in, with high costs in housing and dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport being a viable option for many residents.
Grocery prices can vary, but essentials like milk and bread are relatively affordable compared to other expenses.
Utilities and internet services are additional costs to consider, with prices reflecting the city's urban setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boston's cost of living is notably high, driven by expensive housing and dining options. However, the city offers a rich cultural and historical environment that many find worth the cost.
Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing, and consider public transportation to manage expenses effectively. Understanding these costs can help in making informed decisions about living in Boston.