Salary & Cost of Living in Boston, MA
Boston, MA: $85,000 median salary, cost of living index 152, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$85,000
$41/hr
Cost of Living
152
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.5%
rate
Boston, MA Overview
Population
675,647
Median Salary
$85,000
Average Salary
$96,000
Avg Commute
31 min
Median Home Price
$680,000
Median Rent
$2,800/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
6.25%
Boston is located in Massachusetts with a population of 675,647. The median household salary is $85,000 per year ($41/hour), which is $25,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Boston Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Boston, MA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$63,934
$5,327.79/month · $2,458.98/biweekly · Effective Rate: 24.8%
Gross Pay
$85,000
Federal Tax
-$10,314
State Tax
-$4,250
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$6,503
Net Pay
$63,934
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $7,083.33 | $85,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$859.50 | -$10,314.00 |
| Massachusetts State Tax (5%) | -$354.17 | -$4,250.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$439.17 | -$5,270.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$102.71 | -$1,232.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $5,327.79 | $63,933.50 |
Salary Comparison: Boston vs Other Cities
See how Boston's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $85,000 | 152 | $55,921 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Sandy Springs, GA | $85,000 | 112 | $75,893 |
| Edison, NJ | $85,000 | 125 | $68,000 |
| New York, NY | $85,000 | 187 | $45,455 |
| Franklin, TN | $85,000 | 115 | $73,913 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Boston
Boston's cost of living index is 152 (national average = 100). Living in Boston is 52% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$680,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,800
Annual Rent Cost
$33,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $63,934 annual take-home pay in Boston has the purchasing power of approximately $42,062 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $129,200 in Boston to match a $85,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Boston
Boston's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $85,000.
Salary Tips for Boston Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Boston has a cost of living 52% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Research top industries. Boston's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $85,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Boston, MA?
The median salary in Boston, MA is $85,000 per year, or $41 per hour. The average salary is $96,000. This is $25,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA?
Boston's cost of living index is 152 (national average = 100), meaning it is 52% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $680,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,800.
What are the best industries in Boston?
The top industries in Boston, MA include Healthcare, Education, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $85,000.
How does Boston's salary compare to other cities?
Boston's median salary of $85,000 is 43.1% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 152), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,921.
What is the minimum wage in Boston, MA?
The minimum wage in Boston, MA is $15.00 per hour. This equals approximately $31,200 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.