- Download our Moving to Boston Guide (PDF)
The cost of living in Boston is high, and new arrivals should prepare their budgets carefully to avoid any nasty surprises. In Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking for 2024, Boston was listed as the 19th most expensive out of 226 cities.
Employment packages may include some contribution toward accommodation and health insurance. Nonetheless, new arrivals should be aware of their possible monthly expenses before negotiating their salary.
Cost of accommodation in Boston
Accommodation is likely to be the most considerable expense for those moving to Boston. There is a high demand for accommodation in Boston, so rental costs are expensive.
Tenants often need to pay their first month’s rent as well as a security deposit to secure their lease. This, combined with rental agency fees, means that new arrivals need to budget for hefty initial housing costs.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Boston
There is much to see and do in Boston, but recreational pursuits aren’t cheap. Since Boston is considerably smaller than many other cities in the US, there is less competition between businesses, so eating out and entertainment costs remain high. That said, if you do some research and spend money smartly, it’s possible to live comfortably while still enjoying the city.
Cost of transport in Boston
Thankfully, there isn’t a need to invest in some wheels when moving to Boston, as the city boasts a comprehensive and reliable public transport network that is accessible at reasonable prices. Boston is also fairly bicycle-friendly for those wanting to commute by bike to save and improve their physical health.
Cost of education in Boston
Education in Boston is of a high calibre. The city is home to some of the country’s top public schools, which are free for US citizens and legal residents.
On the other hand, fees for private and international schools can be steep, so newly arrived parents planning on taking this route should try to negotiate the inclusion of fees into their relocation contracts.
Cost of healthcare in Boston
Boston is home to some of the best hospitals and highly trained healthcare practitioners in the US, but accessing these facilities comes at a steep cost. It’s recommended that newcomers secure comprehensive health insurance to affordably access healthcare in Boston.
Some new arrivals may be fortunate to have their medical insurance covered by their employers. For those who have to pay for their own health insurance, it’s important to bear in mind that the cost will vary depending on factors such as medical history, age and lifestyle habits.
Cost of living in Boston chart
Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Boston in August 2024.
Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
One-bedroom apartment in city centre | USD 3,200 |
One-bedroom apartment outside of city centre | USD 2,350 |
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | USD 5,500 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside of city centre | USD 3,600 |
Shopping | |
Eggs (dozen) | USD 4.60 |
Milk (1 litre) | USD 1.35 |
Rice (1kg) | USD 5.80 |
Loaf of bread | USD 4.35 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | USD 14 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | USD 14 |
Eating out | |
Big Mac Meal | USD 14 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) | USD 3.20 |
Cappuccino | USD 5.12 |
Local beer (500ml) | USD 8 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | USD 110 |
Utilities | |
Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and data | USD 60 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | USD 70 |
Basic utilities (per month for small apartment) | USD 200 |
Transportation | |
Taxi rate (per kilometre) | USD 1.75 |
Bus/train fare in the city centre | USD 2.40 |
Petrol/gasoline (per litre) | USD 0.97 |
What do expats say about Boston's cost of living?
"The cost of living in Boston is quite similar to Switzerland when it comes to rent and health costs. Eating out and grocery shopping in general are a bit cheaper (certain items can be more expensive though, like cheese for example, which is obviously highly relevant to a Swiss person)."
Read more about Swiss expat Sandra's experiences in Boston.
Further reading
►To learn more about managing money in the States, read Banking, Money and Taxes in the US
Are you an expat living in Boston, MA?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Boston, MA. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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