🇺🇸Cost of Living in Boston

United States · Population: 675,647 · Cost Index: 88/100

Cost of Living in Boston

United States · North America

Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and one of the oldest cities in the United States. Home to world-renowned universities like Harvard and MIT, Boston combines rich American history with a strong healthcare and biotech industry, though at a premium cost of living.

675,647

Population

Cost Index

Safety Index

Quality of Life

Average Monthly Cost: $3,700 (single person, excluding rent)

Cost Breakdown

Housing

Avg: $3,425.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$2,800.00

1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$2,000.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)

$5,400.00

3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)

$3,500.00

Food & Groceries

Avg: $17.00

Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)

$22.00

Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)

$100.00

McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)

$12.00

Milk (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.35

Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)

$4.20

Rice (1 kg)(per kg)

$5.00

Eggs (12)(per dozen)

$4.60

Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)

$13.50

Apples (1 kg)(per kg)

$5.50

Banana (1 kg)(per kg)

$1.85

Transportation

Avg: $19.61

Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)

$90.00

One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)

$2.40

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)

$2.60

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)

$2.00

Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)

$1.05

Utilities

Avg: $100.00

Basic Utilities (85m² Apartment)(per month)

$185.00

Mobile Phone Plan(per month)

$50.00

Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)

$65.00

Healthcare

Avg: $162.33

Doctor Visit(per visit)

$240.00

Dentist Visit(per visit)

$195.00

Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)

$52.00

Entertainment

Avg: $23.56

Fitness Club Monthly(per month)

$65.00

Cinema Ticket(per ticket)

$16.00

Cappuccino(per cup)

$5.25

Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)

$8.00

Clothing

Avg: $62.00

Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)

$52.00

Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)

$42.00

Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)

$92.00

Compare Boston with another city

See how Boston stacks up against any other city in our database.

Quick Facts

Currency: USD
Language: English
Cost Index: 88/100
Safety Index: 53/100
Quality of Life: 66/100

Data last updated: 2026-01-15. Prices are approximate and shown in USD.