Cost of Living in Boston, United States

Boston has a cost of living index of 146/100 (New York = 100). It is 46% more expensive than New York. Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

146/100
Cost Index
$5,333/mo
Median Income
68/100
Safety Index
humid continental
Climate

Cost Breakdown by Category

HousingScore: 85/100
1-Bed Apartment (City Center)$3,400/month
1-Bed Apartment (Outside Center)$2,600/month
3-Bed Apartment (City Center)$4,838/month
Food & GroceriesScore: 54/100
Milk (1 liter)$1.28/liter
Bread (500g loaf)$2.11/loaf
Rice (1 kg)$2.2/kg
Dining OutScore: 68/100
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant$18/meal
Meal for 2 (Mid-Range)$80/meal
McMeal at McDonald's$12/meal
TransportationScore: 62/100
Monthly Transit Pass$90/month
One-Way Ticket$2.4/trip
Taxi (1 km)$2.25/km
UtilitiesScore: 70/100
Basic (Elec, Heat, Water, Garbage) 85m2$330/month
Internet (60+ Mbps)$65/month
Mobile Plan (10GB+)$55/month
HealthcareScore: 75/100
Doctor Visit (15 min)$206/visit
Dentist Visit$149/visit
Prescription Medicine (avg)$30/course
EntertainmentScore: 65/100
Cinema Ticket (1 seat)$15/ticket
Theater Ticket$55/ticket
Museum Entry$22/ticket
FitnessScore: 65/100
Gym Membership (monthly)$75/month
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr)$35/hour
Swimming Pool (adult entry)$12/entry
Personal CareScore: 60/100
Haircut (Men)$30/cut
Haircut (Women)$65/cut
Shampoo (400ml)$8/bottle
ClothingScore: 70/100
Jeans (Levi's or similar)$85/pair
Summer Dress (Zara/H&M)$55/piece
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)$120/pair

Digital Nomad Profile

150 Mbps
Internet Speed
$350
Coworking/Month
excellent
Café WiFi
high
English Level
large
Nomad Community
78/100
Walkability

Best neighborhoods: Back Bay, Cambridge, Seaport District

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston cheap to live in?

Boston has a cost of living index of 146/100, where New York = 100. It is 46% more expensive than New York. A single person can live comfortably for approximately $2,920–$4,088 per month.

How much does rent cost in Boston?

A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of Boston costs approximately $3,400/month. Outside the center, expect to pay around $2,600/month.

Is Boston good for digital nomads?

Boston has a large digital nomad community. Average internet speed is 150 Mbps, café wifi reliability is excellent, and coworking spaces run about $350/month. English proficiency is high.

What is the average salary in Boston?

The median net monthly salary in Boston is approximately $5,333 USD. The income tax rate is around 21.3%.

How does Boston compare to New York for cost of living?

Boston (cost index 146) is 46% more expensive than New York (cost index 100).

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