The cost of living in Boston ranges from US$2,200 to US$3,800 per month for students, excluding tuition. Boston is an expensive US city, with housing as a major expense. According to the latest statistics, the cost of living in Boston is 49% higher than the national average. Students should estimate housing rent, food, transportation, and other expenses before moving to Boston. Today, let’s look at living expenses in Boston, Massachusetts.
How Expensive is Living in Boston?
Boston living expenses are more than twice the U.S. national average. The cost of living in Boston depends on your lifestyle. On average, a single person spends around $2,200-$3,800 per month, excluding tuition fees. Here we list the essential costs 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 | $3,700-$5,200 (per year) |
| Transportation | $60-$400 (per month) |
| Entertainment | $200-$1,000 (per month) |
Monthly Budget Model for International Students
Here are two sample monthly budgets for international students in Boston, designed 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 | Shared accommodation costs less; private studios and apartments cost more. |
Food (mainly self-cooked) | $350–$450 | $450–$600 | Covers groceries and occasional dining out. |
Transportation (MBTA and occasional rideshare) | $90–$120 | $120–$180 | Depends on transit use and occasional Uber/Lyft trips. |
Personal expenses (daily necessities/entertainment) | $200–$300 | $350–$500 | Includes toiletries, clothing, coffee and entertainment. |
Medical insurance | $200–$400 | $200–$400 | Depends on the university’s insurance plan and coverage. |
Miscellaneous/emergency | $100–$150 | $200–$300 | Allows for unexpected expenses and one-off purchases. |
Monthly total budget (excluding tuition fees) | $1,840–$2,620 | $2,820–$4,180 | Actual costs depend on rent, insurance and lifestyle. |
Boston Cost of Living Calculator
1. Cost of Living of Boston: Housing
Housing is the biggest factor affecting monthly expenses in Boston. Before choosing student housing in Boston, you should compare accommodation types, rental prices and locations. Options include university residence halls, purpose-built student accommodation and private rentals.
On-Campus Student Housing in Boston
On-campus housing gives students convenient access to university facilities and opportunities to connect with classmates. However, housing costs vary by university and room type. On-campus student housing in Boston costs approximately US$1,100–US$2,030 per month at Harvard University, MIT and Boston University, based on their published housing rates and cost estimates. As costs vary by university, room type and contract length, so students should check the latest rates before budgeting.
Off-Campus Student Housing in Boston
Off-campus student housing in Boston can cost less than on-campus accommodation, especially for students who share an apartment. Monthly rents on uhomes.com range from US$650 to US$3,500 (US$7,800 to US$42,000 per year), depending on the room type, property and neighborhood. The table below shows average Boston rents by apartment size.
Room type | Average monthly rent | Average annual rent |
|---|---|---|
Studio | US$2,306 | US$27,672 |
1-bedroom apartment | US$2,595 | US$31,140 |
2-bedroom apartment | US$3,250 | US$39,000 |
3-bedroom apartment | US$3,500 | US$42,000 |
4-bedroom apartment | US$10,140 | US$121,680 |
Studios offer a private living space, while a 1B1B has a separate bedroom. Sharing an apartment can help students reduce their individual rent. Before booking, check whether the rent includes utilities and other fees.
Average Rent in Boston by Neighborhood
Compare popular student areas in Boston and explore which neighborhood is close to your university.
Back Bay
Nearby universities
Berklee College of Music, Emerson College
Fenway–Kenmore
Nearby universities
Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, Boston University
Allston–Brighton
Nearby universities
Boston University, Boston College
Mission Hill
Nearby universities
Northeastern University, MCPHS University, Harvard Medical School
Roxbury
Nearby universities
Northeastern University, Roxbury Community College
Dorchester
Nearby universities
UMass Boston
South End
Nearby universities
Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music
Cambridge
Nearby universities
Harvard University, MIT
Jamaica Plain
Nearby universities
Accessible to Boston-area campuses by public transit
Boston is a safe city in the United States with low crime rate. 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.
2. Cost of Living in Boston: Utilities and Internet
The average cost of utility bills in Boston, MA is 52% higher than the national average. The average cost of living in Boston on utility bills is around $245 per month, which basically includes electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage fees.
Internet Costs in Boston
Internet plan or expense | Estimated cost per month | Details |
|---|---|---|
Verizon Fios 300 Mbps | US$30 | Advertised price with Auto Pay; availability varies by address. |
Verizon Fios 500 Mbps | US$65 | Advertised price with Auto Pay. |
Xfinity 300 Mbps | US$45 | New-customer offer; taxes and fees extra. |
Xfinity 500 Mbps | US$60 | New-customer offer; taxes and fees extra. |
Shared internet cost per student | US$10–US$30 | Budget estimate when roommates split the bill. |
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.
| University | Undergraduate tuition/academic year | Graduate tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | US$63,624 | US$3,906–US$67,504 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | US$61,990 | US$66,720 for 9 months; US$89,775 for 12 months. |
| Boston University | US$66,670 | US$24,648–US$103,664 |
| Tufts University | US$66,358 | Varies by program; GSAS PhD tuition is US$10,402 per academic yea |
| Boston College | US$69,400 | US$1,214–US$3,137 per credit for many graduate programs; full-time MBA tuition is US$70,390 per academic year and Law School tuition is US$75,280. |
| Northeastern University | US$71,050 | US$769–US$2,110 per credit for many graduate programs |
| Berklee College of Music | US$55,620 | US$54,020 |
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, cooking for yourself isn’t very expensive. For a student who cooks most meals at home and shops carefully, US$300–US$400 per month is a reasonable grocery budget. Students who buy more meat, snacks and convenience foods should budget around US$400–US$500 per month.
Chicken fillets cost about $6 per pound, while beef costs about $9 per pound. Besides, green vegetables are about $2 per pound and the tomatoes, potatoes and onions range from $2 to $4 one pound. In addition, rice is $2.7 one pound, and 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
The Boston subway is one of the most widely used forms of public transportation in the city.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.
Affordable Boston Apartment Rentals for Students
LightView: Rent starts from US$1,874 /month, bills included, modern, fully furnished off campus housing near Northeastern University and Boston University.
Commonwealth Apartments: Rent starts from US$1,900 /month, close to Harvard University, Boston University, Northeastern University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
525 Linc: Rent starts from US$1,997 /month, located at 525 Lincoln Street in North Allston, the apartment community in Allston is designed for students and young professionals, offer easy access to Boston University, Harvard University, Lesley University, MIT, and Northeastern University.
MetroMark Apartments: Rent starts from US$2,263 /month. It is about 10 minutes drive from Harvard Medical School, Simmons University, Northeastern University, and Berklee College of Music.
The Andi Apartments: Rent starts from US$2,348 /month, close to UMass Boston, Northeastern University and Tufts University.
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?
Students typically spend US$2,200–US$3,800 per month in Boston, excluding tuition. Annual living expenses range from US$26,400 to US$45,600, depending on rent and lifestyle. 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.
What is the monthly rent for students in Boston?
Students typically pay US$800–US$2,000 per month for accommodation, depending on room type and location. Shared rooms usually cost less than private studios or one-bedroom apartments.
Can international students work while studying in Boston?
Eligible F-1 students can generally work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. Students must follow U.S. immigration rules and obtain any required authorization before starting work.
How can students reduce the cost of living in Boston?
Students can reduce living expenses by sharing accommodation, cooking at home, using public transportation and buying second-hand textbooks. Choosing a shared apartment can save hundreds of dollars per month compared with renting a private apartment.
Is Boston a good city for international students?
Yes. Boston offers access to more than 30 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area, including Harvard University, MIT, Northeastern University and Boston University. Students benefit from a large higher-education community, research opportunities and access to internships, although living costs are relatively high.
