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Wondering what it really costs to live in Boston? The cost of living index for Boston is 162 — where 100 equals the national average. That means living in Boston costs significantly more expensive than the national average (index: 162). Use this calculator to compare Boston to another city or to find out what salary you'd need to maintain your current lifestyle after a move.
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Cost of Living Comparison

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100 = U.S. national average
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Boston Tip: With a cost of living index of 162, Boston is one of the more expensive metros in the U.S.. If you're relocating to Boston from a city with a different index, the equivalent salary calculator above can show you how much more or less you'd need to earn to maintain the same standard of living.

Cost of Living in Boston, MA

The cost of living index compares cities relative to a national baseline of 100. Use the calculator above to find the equivalent salary you'd need in Boston to maintain your current standard of living — or to see how much further your paycheck would go if you're moving to Boston from a more expensive city.

What Drives Boston's Cost of Living?

Housing is the largest cost-of-living variable across U.S. cities. Boston's housing costs, combined with utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare, determine its total cost index. The calculator above uses the index pre-filled for Boston — you can adjust it if you have updated data.

How to Use the Equivalent Salary Calculator

Enter your current city's index (or use 100 for the national average), set Boston's index, and enter your current salary. The calculator returns the salary that gives you equivalent purchasing power in Boston. If the number is lower than your current salary, Boston is more affordable. If it's higher, you'd need a raise to maintain your lifestyle.

Other Cost Factors in Boston

Beyond housing, consider state income tax rates in MA, local sales tax, commute costs, childcare, and health insurance premiums. These vary significantly from city to city and can substantially shift your real cost of living beyond what any single index captures.