⚡ Featured Deal
Essentials for Your New Home
🛒 Shop This Deal NowAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Boston, MA Utility & Living Guide
Boston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It serves as a cultural and financial center of New England, a region of the Northeastern United States. Boston has an area of 48.4 sq mi (125 km2) and a population of 675,647 as of the 2020 census, making it the third-
Monthly Utility Costs
$140/mo
$70/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2300/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3500/mo |
| Median Home Price | $640,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.33% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $2000 |
The Boston housing market is highly competitive, with limited inventory and high demand, especially in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Cambridge. Rent prices have increased significantly in recent years, and buyers can expect to pay a premium for homes in desirable areas. However, the city is also investing in new developments and affordable housing initiatives.
Cost of Living
146
+46% above national average
115
118
105
$2000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.33% |
| <p>State 5.2% + No County tax + No City tax (but some local option taxes may apply)</p> | |
Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with some deductions and exemptions available
Family & Relocation
60
7.5/10
$2000/mo
City Pulse
Boston's public transit system, including the T and buses, is generally stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps at most stations, but some older stations may have limited accessibility
- Museum of Science
- Boston Children's Museum
- Franklin Park Zoo
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Boston based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Boston has strict regulations around zoning, parking, and waste management, and residents are required to recycle and follow specific guidelines for trash disposal
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Boston — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
In Boston, utility costs tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating costs, with the average household paying around $200-300 per month for gas and electric. In the summer, costs are lower, but can still be around $100-200 per month due to air conditioning usage.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
In Boston, property tax millage rates vary by ZIP code, with rates ranging from 1.15 to 1.45, and some local surtaxes apply, such as the Boston Water and Sewer Commission's stormwater fee
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
8/10, with Boston's sidewalks and parks generally well-maintained and accessible, but some areas like the North End and Beacon Hill can be challenging to navigate with a stroller due to narrow streets and historic architecture
Boston, Massachusetts — Ontario air ambulance Atlantic search: ‘Roger, you said you’
The vanishing of an Ontario air ambulance jet en route from Bermuda to Boston, with its final transmission...
Read more →Boston, Massachusetts — Voters in Moulton, Markey race split
The heated primary between incumbent Senator Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton is more than a generational clash—it’s...
Read more →Boston, Massachusetts — Voters in Moulton, Markey race split
Boston’s political landscape is shifting in ways that matter to anyone considering a move here. The 2026 primary...
Read more →Boston, Massachusetts — Massachusetts’ housing shortage exacerbates racial wealth ga
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s landmark report lands with a sobering clarity: the region’s soaring housing costs...
Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026
Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026 Finklick tracks 278 cities across Massachusetts. Total state population: 6,984,205. Median...
Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 11, 2026
With a population just shy of seven million—6,984,205 as of the most recent estimates—Massachusetts is the third-most densely...
Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 10, 2026
Massachusetts presents a compelling paradox for those considering a move: it consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in...
Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 09, 2026
For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a study in contrasts: world-class education and healthcare...
Read more →Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.
Shop Moving EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.