Massachusetts – officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the most populous state in America.
It is in the New England area of the Northeastern United States.
This unique state is very famous for its history and cultural happenings.
Although it is the 7th-smallest state in the United States, it is very famous.
Massachusetts has a strong economy, a thriving job market, and highly rated schools.
Also, in Massachusetts, you can find top-notch healthcare providers.
Due to these facts, Massachusetts is one of the best places to live in the country.
In the post below, we have explained the cost of living in this state.
Furthermore, you can read about the top five most expensive cities in Massachusetts.
So, let’s begin.
Contents
Cost of Living in Massachusetts
There is no doubt that Massachusetts is the third most expensive place to live in America.
Or short said – just after California and Hawaii – here comes Massachusetts.
However, the cost of living in the Bay State (as someones say this state) varies depending on the city.
Overall, though, Massachusetts is not a cheap place to live.
Let’s see every single cost of living here.
Housing Costs
First of all, when you think about any state for the cost of living, you are asking yourself about the housing costs.
So, in Massachusetts, the typical home is worth $390.800, which is almost double the national median home value of $204.900.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs have an enormous role in your financial budget in Massachusetts.
In this state, there are very well-organized transportation services.
But all of them are so expensive.
For example, a one-way ticket for a local bus is roughly $4.50 to $5.80.
Other transportation costs, like car insurance premiums, vary depending on the state.
Meanwhile, the average car insurance premium is $1.600, much less than the $1.500 national average.
Food Costs
Food is just another everyday cost that has a meaningful influence on living in this area.
The cost of food varies from state to state.
In Massachusetts, a single adult spends an average of $3.700 on food annually, and a family of four spends $12.500 on average.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Although we have already said that the cost of living in this country is fancy, let’s look at the most expensive cities.
These five cities have the highest prices for living like housing, renting, utilities, transportation costs, etc.
Boston
Boston is the capital city in Massachusetts.
Moreover, this city is the 24th-most populous city in the whole country.
As a capital city, it is typical to be the most expensive one for living.
In this city, almost everything is at unreasonable prices.
Therefore, housing expenses are 110% higher than the national average, and the utility prices are 45% higher than the national average.
For renting – Boston prices are in the third place in the country, after San Francisco and New York City.
In fact, Boston’s average rent is $3.500, more than double the $1.500 nationwide average.
Transportation expenses such as bus fares and gas prices are 15% higher than the national average.
A monthly all-inclusive pass (good on all forms of public transit) is an incredible $100 per month.
Should we continue to list the most expensive things in this city?
Anyways, Boston is such a wonderful place, so never mind the high cost of living – certainly worth a visit to this city.
Worcester
Worcester is among the best cities in the U.S. to live in for 2021.
But, what about the high cost of living in this city?
Worcester, Massachusetts’s cost of living is 20% higher than the national average.
Тhe average home price is $430.500, and the average rent per month is above $1.400.
An energy bill in Worcester is $230.50, which is an abnormally high price.
Healthcare in Worcester is also 20% higher than the national average.
Hence, a one visit to the doctor could cost you $150, while a dentist visit – $120.
Cambridge
Cambridge is considered The Intellectual Capital of the World due to its wide range of higher education institutions, including the illustrious Harvard and MIT campuses.
Beyond brains, the city boasts a bustling nightlife scene, a startup paradise, and a famed garden cemetery.
This city ranks high on the cost-of-living index.
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the average single Cambridge resident pays $4.500 on transportation annually.
A family of four with two adults and two children pays $12.773 annually.
Food costs 20% more in Cambridge than in the rest of the nation.
That makes it one of the most expensive places in the country to eat.
So, the average person in Boston should budget around $300 every month for food.
The average cost of a two-person meal at a mid-range restaurant is $90, with the included standard tip of $10.00.
Lowell
Lowell, a busy city with nightlife, is an inspiring place to live.
But here, you definitely need to earn an enormous amount of money to live an affordable life.
Lowell’s housing expenses are 30% higher than the national average, while the utility prices are 25% higher than the national average.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 19% higher than the national average.
Having this in mind, the average home price in this city is $450.900, while only for rent per month you should expect to pay $1.800.
Understanding healthcare costs is essential for anyone building a budget that covers all expenses.
That said, for one doctor’s appointment, you can pay $160, and for a dentist visit – $125.
If you are a pet lover, then prepare $80 for a vet appointment.
Brockton
The average cost of living in Brockton is $1950, which is in the top 15% of
the most expensive cities in the world.
A lunch menu for one person is roughly $15, while dinner in a mid-range restaurant is above $70.
A local transport ticket is $4.00, and if you prefer a monthly pass, you should expect to pay around $78 -$85.
As for food prices in the supermarket, here is a shortlist of the essential items.
One liter of milk is $2.90, a loaf of fresh bread is $3.40, and eggs (regular 12) are above $3.50.
Massachusetts Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Massachusetts Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in New Hampshire Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Rhode Island Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Alaska Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Vermont Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Maryland Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Florida Cities: These Are the Top 5
