Cost of Living in Massachusetts

Use Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator to easily compare the cost of living in your current location to the cost of living in a new location. We use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities to give you a comparison of costs and salary. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Massachusetts    Massachusetts is the 7th-smallest state in the United States. It is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States and has an are....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Massachusetts's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $15 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Massachusetts
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Cost of Living by Cities in Massachusetts


Cost of Living by Major Cities

Click to see the cost of living for these major U.S. cities.

San Francisco, CA
Washington, DC
Miami, FL
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
New York, NY
Dallas, TX

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Cost of Living Index in Major Cities of Massachusetts

A comparison of the Cost of Living indexes across major Massachusetts Cities compared to the national average. The calculations are based on the total cost of energy, food, healthcare, housing and transportation, among other factors.

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City, State Compared to national average
City, State Boston, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Worcester, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 22.3%
City, State Springfield, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 13.2%
City, State Lowell, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 30.5%
City, State Cambridge, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New Bedford, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 11.6%
City, State Waltham, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Framingham, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 37.4%
City, State Newton, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Arlington, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Attleboro, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 11.8%
City, State Barnstable, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 17.2%
City, State Brockton, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 43.6%
City, State Brookline, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Chicopee, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 13.2%
City, State Fall River, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 11.6%
City, State Fitchburg, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 22.9%
City, State Haverhill, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 22.7%
City, State Holyoke, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 13.2%
City, State Hyannis, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 13.0%
City, State Lawrence, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 22.7%
City, State Leominster, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 22.1%
City, State Lynn, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Malden, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Medford, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Methuen, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 22.7%
City, State Peabody, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.0%
City, State Pittsfield, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 13.4%
City, State Plymouth, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 31.1%
City, State Quincy, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Revere, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Salem, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.0%
City, State Somerville, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State Taunton, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 43.5%
City, State Westfield, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 13.2%
City, State Weymouth, Massachusetts Compared to national average
+ 43.6%



About Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the 7th-smallest state in the United States. It is located in the New England region of the northeastern United States and has an area of 10,555 square miles (27,340 km2), 25.7% of which is water. Several large bays distinctly shape its coast. Boston is the largest city, at the inmost point of Massachusetts Bay, and the mouth of the Charles River. Despite its small size, Massachusetts features numerous topographically distinctive regions. The large coastal plain of the Atlantic Ocean in the eastern section of the state contains Greater Boston, along with most of the state's po...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Massachusetts

Buying a home and the cost of living

If you want to buy a home in the beautiful state of Massachusetts, you will find that it is one of the highest residential home markets in the country. Purchasing a home can be a lengthy and complex process. Besides the down payment, which is usually 15-20% of the selling price, there will be closing costs. If you own a home in your former location the sale of that home needs to be completed as well. Once you have purchased and moved into your new home, there will be utility and maintenance costs as well as property taxes and home insurance that will contribute to your cost of living. The advantages of living in Massachusetts are many, but the high cost of buying a home is not one of them. ( 2024-09-25 salary.com )

Healthcare access and affordability and your cost of living

Massachusetts is ranked number 2 out of all states in overall healthcare access and affordability. Healthcare costs make up a significant part of the cost of living. The ability to afford healthcare as well as the ability to access care are key indicators of how much you will be paying for this important resource if you move to another state. Affordability is generally measured by the rates set for insurance coverage in a state, as well as the out-of-pocket expenses that need to be paid by you when receiving the care. If rates or out-of-pocket expenses are high, your cost of living will increase. Access to healthcare is how easy or difficult it may be to receive the care. Access is measured by identifying barriers that might prevent the delivery of care such as the inability to obtain insurance coverage, having to travel long distances to health care centers and lack of sufficient facilities and/or healthcare professionals. The timeliness of care, how fast you can get to see a healthcare provider, is another important measure. ( 2024-09-25 salary.com )

Cold winters and the cost of living

Energy is one of the costs that contribute to the cost of living in a state. The cost of your utilitiies may fluctuate based on weather conditions. Massachusetts is noted as a state that has some of the worst winter weather in the U.S. Snow, bitterly cold temperatures, storms and strong winds can force you indoors for days on end. This typical winter weather can drive your energy costs and cost of living higher than in states with a milder climate. Expect to pay more for your utility bills during the winter months. ( 2024-09-25 salary.com )


Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-09-25 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-09-25 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-09-25 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-09-25