Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Based on 1 city we track in Massachusetts.
Cost of living in Massachusetts is shaped mostly by rent across the 1 city we track there. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,978 a month — 88% higher than the $1,052 median across the 51 states we track.
Median household income across those cities is $94,755, 41% higher than the $67,043 median across the states we track. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Medians
Median 1BR Rent
$1,978
Median Home Value
$710,400
Median Income
$94,755
Avg Temperature
51.5°F
Medians across the Massachusetts cities we track — not a statewide population-weighted figure.
State Taxes
State Sales Tax
6.25%
State Income Tax (top rate)
Up to 9.00%
Cities in Massachusetts
Compare Massachusetts with
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Massachusetts cost of living — FAQ
- Is Massachusetts expensive to live in?
- Massachusetts is among the most expensive of the 51 states we track. Its median one-bedroom rent of $1,978 ranks #1 of 51 and is 88% higher than the $1,052 median.
- What is the average rent in Massachusetts?
- Across the 1 city we track in Massachusetts, average rent runs a studio around $1,890, a one-bedroom around $1,978, a two-bedroom around $2,155, a three-bedroom around $2,234 per month (US Census ACS).
- What is the median home price in Massachusetts?
- The median home value across the cities we track in Massachusetts is $710,400 — 147% higher than the $287,500 median across the states we track.
- Does Massachusetts have a state income tax?
- Yes — Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.00% (most filers pay less than the top rate). Its state sales tax rate is 6.25%; local jurisdictions may add more.
- How much do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts?
- To keep a one-bedroom rent of $1,978 near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $79,000 a year. Median household income across the cities we track in Massachusetts is $94,755.
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).