Cost of Living for Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts (MA) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
135
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$89,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,600/month
State Income Tax Rate
5%
How This Calculator Works in Massachusetts
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Massachusetts and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Massachusetts's cost of living index of 135 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Massachusetts Overview
Massachusetts has a cost of living index of 135, where 100 represents the national average. The Greater Boston area drives Massachusetts' high cost of living, with housing costs well above the national average. Western Massachusetts is significantly more affordable. The median household income is $89,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $65,926 in an average-cost location.
How Massachusetts Compares
Massachusetts's cost of living index of 135 compares to Connecticut's 113 and Rhode Island's 107. Residents in Massachusetts generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 61% less than Massachusetts, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 42% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | COL Index: 113 | Connecticut has a cost of living index of 113 and a median household income of $83,000. It is more affordable than Massachusetts. |
| Rhode Island | COL Index: 107 | Rhode Island has a cost of living index of 107 and a median household income of $72,000. It is more affordable than Massachusetts. |
| New Hampshire | COL Index: 113 | New Hampshire has a cost of living index of 113 and a median household income of $83,000. It is more affordable than Massachusetts. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Massachusetts's index of 135 is above the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Massachusetts's median household income of $89,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Massachusetts Residents
- 1The Greater Boston area drives Massachusetts' high cost of living, with housing costs well above the national average. Western Massachusetts is significantly more affordable.
- 2Massachusetts's median household income of $89,000 has a real purchasing power of about $65,926 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Massachusetts's top state income tax rate of 5% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Massachusetts between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.