What is the cost of living in Boston? That may be one of the most queries that the students in Boston concern about. Boston serving as the cultural and financial center of the New England region of the Northeastern United States has a basically flat consumption level with the New York City, which is a relatively high cost compare with other cities in the United States. According to the latest statistics, the cost of living in Boston is 46% higher than the national average. Simultaneously, housing costs are 119% higher, utilities are 43% higher, and groceries are 5% higher than the national average. As it is also the home to numerous prestigious universities and colleges, attracting international students from all over the world. So, for the incoming students who are going to pursue studies in Boston, knowing the price of living in Boston is important for your effective budgeting and financial planning. Today, let’s take a look at the living expenses in Boston, Massachusetts.
💰How Expensive is Living in Boston?
Boston living expenses are more than twice higher than the USA national average, and the average cost of living in Boston for a single person is around $3,000 monthly. If a student plans to have a common and normal living experience in Boston, aside from tuition fees, you need to prepare at least $2,600 per month for living expenses. Here we list the essential cost of living in Boston, MA:
| Cost of Living in Boston | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cost |
| Education | $60,000-$70,000 (per academic year) |
| Housing | $900-$4,000 (per month) |
| Utilities | $200-$400 (per month) |
| Meal | $300-$2,800 (per month) |
| Healthcare | ~$400 (per month) |
| Transportation | $60-$400 (per month) |
| Entertainment | $200-$1,000 (per month) |
Monthly Budget Model for International Students
Here are two monthly budget models for international students in Boston to help you quickly estimate and plan your finances.
| Budget Category | Frugal Budget (monthly) | Moderate Budget (monthly) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared/off-campus) |
$900 – $1,200 | $1,500 – $2,200 | It includes water, electricity, heating and Internet, depending on the area and the number of roommates. |
| Food (mainly self-cooked) |
$350 – $450 | $450 – $600 | A frugal budget mainly involves self-cooking at the supermarket, while a moderate budget includes a small amount of dining out. |
| Transportation (MBTA LinkPass) |
$90 – $120 | $120 – $180 | Use monthly passes for a frugal budget, and include a small number of Uber/Lyft passes for a moderate budget. |
| Personal expenses (daily necessities/entertainment) |
$150 – $250 | $250 – $400 | It includes toiletries, clothes, movies, coffee, etc. |
| Medical insurance (compulsory) |
$200 – $400 | $200 – $400 | It depends on the insurance plan provided by the school |
| Miscellaneous/Emergency | $100 | $200 | Set aside for unforeseen expenses. |
| Monthly total budget (excluding tuition fees) |
$1,790 – $2,620 | $2,920 – $3,980 | It is recommended that international students prepare a moderate budget to deal with unexpected situations. |
1. Cost of Living of Boston Housing
Boston, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and prestigious educational institutions, is one of the top choices for the local and international students. However, before moving to Boston, understanding the various costs involved, particularly student housing in Boston, which is a significant factor in the overall cost of living in Boston. The rental market in Boston offers a wide range of options including university resident halls, student apartments, and social housing. In addition, the cost of different options on Boston housing can be various greatly.
On-Campus Student Housing in Boston
On-campus student housing in Boston is a popular choice, providing students with quick access to various of teaching facilities, as well as increased opportunities to socialize with fellow students. And the housing fee is different depending on type of accommodations in various universities. In Harvard University, there are totally twelve university resident halls for the students to live and the price range from $1,000 to $4,000 per month per person. In addition, for the students in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the housing fee is about $1100 per month per person. Besides, the housing price for a student in Boston University is around $1100 per month.
Off-Campus Student Housing in Boston
When it comes to the off-campus student housing in Boston, the main room types that students will choose are studio, 1B1B and 2B2B. The studio is ideal for students who want to live alone or as a couple, with a kitchen and bathroom. Additionally, the use area of 1B1B will be wider, and the room is separated from the kitchen, so you will no longer care about cooking fumes. However, if you want to share a house, you can choose 2B2B which can also help save your budget.
Besides, when facing a variety of off-campus student housing in Boston, students need to find a suitable rental platform. uhomes.com is a popular rental platform with professional and attentive service, which offers quality apartments for students. Regarding Boston living expenses on off-campus student housing, according to the uhomes.com website, the rent ranges from $900 to $3,500 per month with different room types and in various areas in Boston.
Boston is still a relatively safe city in the United States as the crime rate is not very high. However, it does not mean that the security conditions in all areas are 100% perfect. So you should be careful when choosing a rental area, making the comfortable, safety and the budget in balance. Roxbury, Dorchester and Mission Hill are not recommended. We suggest students studying in Boston University to choose the rental houses in Allston and Brighton, while for Northeastern University students we suggest Fenway, Back Bay and Malden. In addition, Cambridge area is more suitable for Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University students.
2. Cost of Utilities in Boston
According to the latest data, averagely, the cost of bills in Boston, MA is 42.9% higher than the national average. The average cost of living in Boston on utility bills is around $200 per month for a 915 sq ft apartment, which basically include electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage fees. Additionally, the cost of internet is about $60 to $70 monthly, and the phone bill is around $60 per month.
3. Cost of Living in Boston: Education
When navigation the cost of living in Boston, in addition to the Boston housing, the tuition fee in Boston is also a challenge for many students. However, tuition fees are different depending on each university as well as diverse majors. For your reference, the tuition fee for some universities in Boston is in the following table.
| Tuition Fees in the University in Boston | |
|---|---|
| University | Tuition Fee (per academic year) |
| Harvard University | $63,624 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $61,990 |
| Boston University | $66,670 |
| Tufts University | $66,358 |
| Boston College | $69,400 |
4. Cost of Living in Boston: Meal
The expenses of eating is in the third rank when calculating the cost of living in Boston. Meanwhile, the cost of eating in Boston also varies wildly. It depends on your eating habits and where you choose to have the meal. For your convenience, some rough estimates are as follow:
Cooking by Yourself
In Boston, if you cook by yourself, it’s not very expensive. Chicken fillets are about $6 a pound, while beef is about $9 per pound. Besides, green vegetables are about $2 per pound and the tomato, potato and onion are range from $2 to $4 one pound. In addition, rice is $2.7 one pound, milk, in average, is $5.01 per gallon. Also spending within $5 can get a big bucket of ice cream. Moreover, buying fruits and snacks, is generally not more than $80 in a week. Therefore, cooking by yourself makes the cost of eating in a month is around $300.
| Groceries Prices in Boston – Food | |
|---|---|
| Food | Cost |
| Chicken Fillets (1lb) | $6.17 |
| Beef Round (1lb) | $9.22 |
| Eggs (12-pack) | $4.36 |
| Milk (1 gallon) | $5.01 |
| Loaf of Bread (White), (1lb) | $3.90 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.97 |
| Tomato (1lb) | $3.35 |
| Potato (1lb) | $2.06 |
| Onion (1lb) | $1.67 |
| Rice (White), (1lb) | $2.71 |
| Apples (1lb) | $2.49 |
| Banana (1lb) | $0.97 |
| Oranges (1lb) | $2.98 |
| Groceries Prices in Boston – Drinks | |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Cost |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.66 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | $2.48 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | $5.60 |
Eating Outside
However, if you eat outside, it will be more expensive comparing to cooking by yourself. For example, if you eating at the food court, the eating price is at least about $10, and in McDonald’s is at least $12. Furthermore, if you go to a restaurant, it is even more expensive, which is ranges from $15 to $35, plus 8% tax and 15%-20% service charge. Thus it comes out to about $400-$700 for a week of eating out.
5. Cost of Healthcare in Boston
The average cost of living of Boston healthcare is 17.9% higher than the US national average.
| Cost of Healthcare Services in Boston | |
|---|---|
| Types | Average Cost |
| Doctor Visit | $180 |
| Dentist Visit | $144 |
| Optometrist Visit | $130 |
| Prescription Drug | $240 |
| Ibuprofen | $11 |
| Veterinary Visit | $140 |
Health insurance is not mandatory in the United States, so you can decide on your own whether to buy or not. If you choose to save the cost of health insurance, you will need to cover any related healthcare costs yourself. As a student, if you decide to get health insurance in Boston during your study life, you need to spend around $400 – $800 per month. However, the specific amounts vary depending on diverse situations.
There are 4 levels of health insurance in Boston, which are bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. For the holders, from bronze to platinum, people need to pay for 40%, 30%, 20%, and 10% of all your medical services, seperately.
| Cost of Health Insurance in Boston MA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | Age of 21 | Age of 40 | Age of 60 |
| Bronze | $437/month | $515/month | $874/month |
| Silver | $561/month | $661/month | $1,122/month |
| Gold | $625/month | $741/month | $1,258/month |
| Platinum | $788/month | $928/month | $1,575/month |
6. Cost of Living of Boston Public Transportation
The expenses of transportation can also significantly impact the monthly cost of living in Boston. The Boston public transportation is developed, which benefits from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) offering comprehensive public transport services, including bikes, buses, subways and ferries. In addition, rideshare and driving are also common for the local citizens.
The public transportation system in Boston is one of the oldest in the United States. For students and new immigrants without private cars, the MBTA is the lifeline of daily travel. The most commonly used ticket types are CharlieCard (rechargeable card) and CharlieTicket (paper ticket). Meanwhile, MBTA has currently enabled the Tap to Pay function, allowing you to pay for buses, subways and ferries through contactless credit/debit cards, smartphones or even smartwatches.
Bike
The Bluebikes are popular among the Boston citizen, which are not only fast but also fun and affordable. For a single ride by Bluebike, it costs $4.49, which can last for 30 minutes. Moreover, after the first 30 minutes, each additional 30 minutes costs $4. In addition, if you plan to join the annual membership of the Bluebikes, you can get at $60 per year membership if you have not had a membership in the last three years.
Bus
Bus is also a convenient option for getting around the city of Boston. The fare for a single bus trip on the local bus is $1.70, besides on the express buses, it is $4.25.
Subway
Subway is the most popular public transportation in Boston. The price of a single ticket depends on the distance that the passenger travels and the single ride within 2 miles costs $2.4. Besides, there are also 1-day, 7-day, or 1-month passes:
- 1-Day Unlimited: $11
- 7-Day Unlimited: $22.5
- 1-Month Unlimited: $90
Fares
Ferry fares not only depend on your route but also your origin and destination. In addition, the Ferry Monthly Pass is cost from $90.00 to $329.00.
Rideshare
Services like Uber or Lyft are widely used among the students and locals. As a reference, a single rideshare trip within Boston can range from $7 to $30.
Driving
For those who prefer the convenience of a car, fuel costs, parking fees, and car insurance are also essential living expenses that need to be considered. Fuel costs are often subject to price fluctuations. Parking fees vary dramatically depending on the area. Downtown parking rates are steep, sometimes reaching upwards of $30 for a few hours. The cost of Car insurance also depends on car models and owner’s driving accident records. If you own a car, you may need to spend from $400 to $1,000 per month, including:
- Parking: $180 per month on average
- Fuel: $3.37 per gallon for gas
- Car Insurance: $75 – $230 per month
7. Cost of Living in Boston: Entertainment
The city of Boston is brimming with history, culture and sports fervor, offering a plenty of entertainment options for locals and travelers. From historic shopping districts and vibrant nightlife to legendary sports events, everyone in Boston will find their preferable own entertainments. However, indulging in these pleasures can cost a heavy price. Below are the cost of living in Boston on various categories of entertainment.
Shopping in Boston
Boston offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques on Newbury Street to the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace, as well as other shopping malls. And the cost of cloth, shoes and beauty products varies from person to person, which is from $100 to $700 per month.
Nightlife in Boston
The nightlife in Boston is diverse, with options ranging from cozy pubs in the North End to upscale clubs in the Theater District. On average, a night out can cost anywhere from $30 to more than $100 per person, depending on the choice of venue. In addition, cover charges for clubs range from $10 to $20, while each drink costs between $8 and $15. Moreover, attending live music events or shows can cost from $20 to $100 for tickets, depending on the artist and venue.
Sports in Boston
Attending games is also a popular form of entertainment in Boston. The Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins are all the famous sports teams in Boston. However, the ticket prices for the sports teams vary widely based on the teams, opponents and seating. On average, it will cost from $50 to $300 per person for a regular season game.
Cultural Events and Other Entertainment in Boston
Boston also provide vibrant arts scenes for the local citizens and travelers, like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Admission fees for museums range from $25 to $30 for adults, while the discounts are available for students and seniors. In addition, attending a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra can cost between $30 and more then $150 for standard tickets. Furthermore, other entertainment options such as movies, live theaters, and comedy shows in Boston can cost different prices. The movie ticket costing around $15 per adult and live theater or comedy tickets ranging from $20 to more then $100, which depends on the performance teams and seating.
8. Practical Money-Saving Tips for Living in Boston
Living in a high-consumption city like Boston, it is crucial to master some money-saving tips.
Housing: Choose to share a house or stay on the outskirts of the area
- Sharing a apartment: The monthly rent for a one-bedroom, one-living-room apartment rented alone may exceed $3,000. However, choosing to share a apartment in student-rich areas such as Allston, Brighton, Malden or Cambridge can reduce the monthly rent to $900 – $1,500.
- Area selection: Avoid high-end communities such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill, and choose Somerville or Quincy with convenient public transportation, which can significantly reduce rent.
Food: Utilize the membership of farmers' markets and supermarkets
- Supermarket selection: Trader Joe’s and Market Basket usually have more competitive prices than Whole Foods. You can enjoy discounts by getting a supermarket membership Card (such as the Rewards Card of Stop & Shop).
- Farmers’ Market: In summer and autumn, you can go to farmers’ markets in Boston (such as Copley Square Farmers Market) to purchase fresh and reasonably priced local produce.
Entertainment: Explore free cultural resources
- Museums: The Boston Public Library (BPL) offers a free museum pass, allowing free access to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the Science Museum, and more.
- Free events: Check out the Boston Calendar to learn about free concerts, film screenings and festival events. Hiking along the Freedom Trail is a free and highly educational form of entertainment.
If you’re thinking about studying in the US, it’s crucial to find the right student accommodation. That’s where uhomes.com comes in. It’s a reliable platform that helps students like you find the perfect place to live in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and many other cities. So far, they’ve helped more than 55,000 students successfully find their dream homes.
FAQ
What is Boston's cost of living like?
The cost of living in Boston, MA reaches the state average and is 46% higher than the national average. Among the essential living expenses, housing is a major factor that highly influences the cost of living in Boston, and according to the latest, the cost of housing in Boston is 119% more expensive than the national average.
What salary do I need to comfortably live in Boston?
Boston is the fifth-most expensive city to live comfortably, after New York City, San Jose, Irvine, and Santa Ana Calif. Besides, a single adult needs to make about more than $120,000 a year, while, two working adults with two children need to pull in around $320,000 a year.
Is Boston a good city for students?
Boston is the top student city in the US and is one of the world’s best-known academic hubs, which is an academic paradise for those students who are persuing their academic goals.
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