Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA Cost of Living & Economic Score
Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis cost-of-living and household-budget data for the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA metropolitan statistical area.
Cost of living in Boston-Cambridge-Newton
According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA metropolitan area run 14.5% above the U.S. average (Regional Price Parity index 114.5 on a base of 100). That puts Boston-Cambridge-Newton on the costlier end of U.S. metros.
For broader state context — including state taxes, insurance, and energy costs that affect every Massachusetts household — see the Massachusetts state report.
Compare to similar-cost metros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA?
The Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA metro area has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 114.5 (U.S.=100), meaning prices are 14.5% above the national average. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Is Boston-Cambridge-Newton an affordable place to live?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA has an InflationRank score of 57/100 (grade F), reflecting costs above the national average. The metro RPP of 114.5 compares to a U.S. baseline of 100.
How does Boston-Cambridge-Newton compare to other cities for cost of living?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA has a cost-of-living index of 114.5 (U.S.=100), 14.5% above the national average. Similar-cost metros include San Diego-Carlsbad, CA (RPP 114.5), Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA (RPP 115.0).
About the InflationRank Score
The InflationRank Score is a proprietary 0–100 composite that summarizes a metro area's cost-of-living and economic conditions on a familiar A–F grading scale. The composite weighs cost level, inflation pressure, and income resilience, sourced from federal government datasets and reviewed annually as federal data refreshes.
Underlying data is drawn from authoritative federal economic agencies and public housing datasets. See full data sources →