Brookline, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Brookline, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Brookline, MA offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living with easy access to Boston

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$380/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index146 (+46% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$640,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Brookline
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Brookline Water and Sewer Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $380/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2200/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$640,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Brookline is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new construction. The town has a strong demand for housing, driven by its excellent schools and proximity to Boston. As a result, prices tend to be higher than in surrounding communities.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+46% above national average

Groceries

120

Transportation

110

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 6.25% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

8.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in biotech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic and parking, environmental sustainability
🚌 Transit for Families

Brookline has a well-developed public transportation system, including the MBTA Green Line, with stroller-friendly stations and buses

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Larz Anderson Park
  • 🎯
    Brookline Reservoir
  • 🎯
    Museum of Science

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Brookline include Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Chestnut Hill, which offer a mix of historic homes, parks, and community amenities. These neighborhoods are also close to top-rated schools and public transportation.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Brookline based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Brookline has regulations in place to promote affordable housing, including inclusionary zoning and rent control

The current financial trends in Brookline are driven by its strong economy and high demand for housing, with prices expected to continue to rise. However, the town is also investing in initiatives to promote affordability and sustainability.

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📊 Brookline — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Brookline tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating, with average bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are lower, but may still be higher than in other parts of the country due to the town's high cost of living.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 02446 has a property tax millage rate of 1.23, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, plenty of parks and playgrounds, and elevator access at most transit stations, but some areas have limited stroller-friendly infrastructure

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