Massachusetts cost of living
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining, especially if you’re moving to a new state. While a fresh start offers exciting opportunities and experiences, it's important to consider the practical side of things, too. Building new friendships, finding support and getting to know your way around takes time.
Whether you're relocating to Massachusetts for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Massachusetts is $2,271.19, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Massachusetts spend $271.98 weekly on food at home and $103.01 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.46 in Massachusetts.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Massachusetts pay $1,806 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Massachusetts
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Massachusetts is $2,271.19, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Massachusetts broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Massachusetts had a median cost of $1,272 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,727 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,817 and $2,164, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Massachusetts is $624,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Massachusetts ranks No. 18 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.14%.
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Food costs in Massachusetts
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Massachusetts is $271.98, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Massachusetts residents spend an average of $103.01 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Massachusetts
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Massachusetts is $3.46, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Massachusetts is $1,235.35, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Boston ranked No. 7 on our 2024 list of cities with the best public transit. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system has an impressive fleet that includes commuter rail, subway, buses and ferries to quickly get riders all over the Massachusetts Bay area.
Average one-way bus fares cost $1.70, and subway, commuter rails and ferry one-ways start at $2.40 in Boston as of publishing. Travelers will appreciate that Boston Logan Airport has service to more than 100 domestic destinations and more than 50 international destinations. If you prefer going by rail, Amtrak has service to over 500 cities and towns, including popular routes to Chicago, New York City and Washington, D.C., as of publishing.
Health care costs in Massachusetts
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Massachusetts employees $1,806 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,248 of the $8,054 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Massachusetts
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Massachusetts is $149.91, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Massachusetts costs $21.76 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Does Massachusetts have a high cost of living?
Yes, unfortunately. In 2023, we created a ranking of the states with the lowest cost of living. In this study, we discovered that Massachusetts is the fifth most expensive state in the nation.
What are the most expensive cities in Massachusetts?
Boston has the highest monthly housing costs of any East Coast city, according to our 2023 story on the most expensive U.S. cities. The city came in at No. 6 for most expensive cities nationally.
How much do I need to make to live in Boston?
Our 2024 analysis on income required to live in various U.S. cities indicated that a single adult would need an annual salary of $134,373 or a full-time hourly rate of $64.60 to live comfortably in Boston.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
