Boston skyline - salary insights and cost of living guide

Salary Guide: Boston

United States · Salary & Cost of Living Guide 2026

$78,000 Median Salary
92 CoL Index
$2,800 Avg Rent 1BR
8/10 Tech Hub Score

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Cost of Living in Boston

Boston at a Glance

Map of Boston showing key areas and neighborhoods
Median Salary
$78,000/year
Before taxes
Average Rent (1BR)
$2,800/month
City center
Average Rent (2BR)
$3,800/month
City center
Monthly Transport
$110
Public transit pass
Groceries Index
95
NYC = 100
Purchasing Power
98
NYC = 100, higher is better
Tech Hub Score
8/10
Job market strength
Effective Tax Rate
28%
At median income

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Last updated: 2026-02-28 | Data sources: Numbeo, OECD, Glassdoor, and local government statistics.