MassachusettsPop. 666,442Large cities
Is Boston a Good Place to Live? Boston, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Boston ranks #339 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 37 large cities and #13 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($97,344, #5 of 37), and trails on high rents ($2,147/mo, #34 of 37) and long commutes (30.3 min, #32 of 37).
Boston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Boston's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Boston?
Boston's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,147/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $774,723, 17% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Boston | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $774,723#1039 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,338/mo#1065 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $731,700#1165 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $2,147/mo#1154 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 7.5x#1187 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 26.5%#1123 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Boston housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Boston is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Boston safe?
Boston recorded 583 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% above the US rate of 328 and 93% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #905 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,929 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Boston | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 583#905 of 1,085 | 303 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 1,929#683 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Boston?
The median household in Boston earns $97,344, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Boston | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $97,344#377 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 16.6%#954 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Boston?
The median resident of Boston is 33.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 54.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Boston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 33.3 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 54.9%#191 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 35.7% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Boston's schools and health?
Boston's 15 public schools graduate 75.7% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $35,825 spent per pupil. 23.4% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Boston | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 75.7%#979 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 11.9#74 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $35,825#5 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 23.4%#78 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,478 students are enrolled in Boston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Boston?
The average commute in Boston is 30.3 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 22.6% of workers take transit and 21.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Boston scores 15.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #29 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.6°F and winters 32.5°F, with 43.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Boston | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 30.3 min#1123 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 10.8%#1099 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 32.9% | 62% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 22.6% | 7.8% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 13.4% | 4.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.2% | 0.9% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 21.3% | 14.8% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 15.1#29 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36.8 | 23.1 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 39 | 24.6 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 45.5 | 31.1 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 56.4 | 40.8 | 3.6 |
| May | 66.5 | 50.3 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 76.2 | 59.7 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 82.1 | 66 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 65.1 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 73.1 | 58.2 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 62.1 | 47.5 | 4 |
| Nov | 51.6 | 37.9 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 42.2 | 29.2 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boston.
| Measure | Boston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 51.9°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 71.6°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 32.5°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 43.6 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Boston.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Boston?
Suffolk County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Suffolk County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Boston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#43 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Suffolk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Suffolk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0093% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0062% | 71% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0039% | 69% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0017% | 20% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.045% | 7% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Boston compare with similar-size cities?
Boston is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #2 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 666,442.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Boston compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Boston ranks #13 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 7% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 93% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Massachusetts home.
| City | Rank in MA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #1 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #2 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #3 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #4 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #5 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #6 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #7 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #8 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #9 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #10 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #11 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #12 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #13 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #14 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #15 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #16 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #17 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #18 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 |
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #19 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #20 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #21 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #22 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 |
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #23 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #24 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #25 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 |
All 25 Massachusetts cities we track, by overall score. Massachusetts statewide: median income $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Boston's score calculated?
Boston scores 61.1 out of 100, #339 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Massachusetts's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Boston. Similar-size median 50.4.
60.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Boston's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
55.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Boston. Similar-size median 52.4.
72.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Boston's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
72.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Boston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
35.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Boston. Similar-size median 43.4.
51.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Boston. Similar-size median 40.4.
37.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Boston. Similar-size median 56.6.
78.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Boston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
74.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
81.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Boston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Boston has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Boston
Is Boston, MA a good place to live?
Boston ranks #339 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #2 of 37 large cities and #13 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($97,344, #5 of 37), and trails on high rents ($2,147/mo, #34 of 37) and long commutes (30.3 min, #32 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Boston?
Boston's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,147/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $774,723, 17% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Boston?
Boston recorded 583 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% above the US rate of 328 and 93% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #905 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boston Police Department. Property crime runs 1,929 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Boston?
The median household in Boston earns $97,344, 17% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Boston?
Median rent in Boston is $2,147/mo (Census), #1154 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,338/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Boston?
The typical home value in Boston is $774,723, down 1.4% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $731,700.
How are the public schools in Boston?
Boston's 15 public schools graduate 75.7% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 11.9 students per teacher and $35,825 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Boston?
The average commute is 30.3 minutes, #1123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 10.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Boston?
Boston averages 51.9°F over the year, 71.6°F in summer and 32.5°F in winter, with 43.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Boston walkable?
Boston scores 15.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #29 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Boston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Suffolk County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Boston?
Suffolk County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Boston?
Boston has 666,442 residents. The median resident of Boston is 33.3 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 54.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #191 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Boston compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Boston ranks #13 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 7% below the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 93% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Boston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Boston's population of 666,442 are Denver, CO (#722 overall), Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), Nashville, TN (#976 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), and Las Vegas, NV (#1130 overall). Boston is #339.