Is Boston expensive to live in?
Median income: $81,744. Median rent: $1,783. Median home price: $610,400.
Relocation guide · Massachusetts
Moving to Boston, MA
Boston, MA city guide. Population is 672,814. Median household income is $81,744. Median rent is $1,783.
Median Rent
$1,783/mo
Median Income
$81,744
State Tax
5%
Population
672,814
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Boston
Median income: $81,744. Median rent: $1,783. Median home price: $610,400.
Median Rent/mo
$1,783
Median Home Price
$610,400
Median Income
$81,744
Rent-to-Income
26%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Massachusetts
State tax rate: 5%. Local tax rate: 0%.
State Income Tax
5.00%
Local Tax Rate
0.00%
Climate
Weather in Boston
Average high: 45.41°F. Average low: 42.48°F. Annual rainfall: 0 inches. Sunny days: 0.
Avg High Temp
45.41°F
Avg Low Temp
42.48°F
Sunny Days/yr
0
Annual Rainfall
N/A
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Boston
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Boston with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Boston
What is the average rent in Boston?
The median rent in Boston is $1,783/month. Median home price is $610,400. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Massachusetts have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 5%. Local tax rate: 0%.
What is Boston known for?
Boston, MA city guide. Population is 672,814. Median household income is $81,744. Median rent is $1,783.
What should I know before moving to Boston?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Boston has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.