Massachusetts Cost of Living Calculator
Massachusetts scores 148.1 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 213.2, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $111,075 here; its highest part is housing at 213.2.
| Index | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 148.1 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 213.2 |
| Groceries | 105.3 |
| Utilities | 159.8 |
| Transportation | 106.8 |
| Health care | 129.7 |
| Other goods and services | 120.2 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
$36,075.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Massachusetts's figures fill the destination side: composite 148.1 for the salary, housing 213.2 for the rent, and 9% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Massachusetts ranks 2nd highest of the 50 states on the composite index (148.1). Median household income: $104,828 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $2,598 a month.
What Massachusetts's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Massachusetts | Rent at the U.S. average → in Massachusetts | Massachusetts income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $74,050 | $1,000 → $2,132 | $3,703 (5.0%) |
| $75,000 | $111,075 | $1,500 → $3,198 | $5,554 (5.0%) |
| $100,000 | $148,100 | $2,000 → $4,264 | $7,405 (5.0%) |
| $150,000 | $222,150 | $2,500 → $5,330 | $11,108 (5.0%) |
Massachusetts 2026 single-filer rates, after no state deduction or exemption (none modeled for this state).
Massachusetts and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Massachusetts | $1,500 rent there = in Massachusetts | $75,000 in Massachusetts = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 103.6 / 97.0 | $107,215 | $3,297 | $52,465 | 6.99% top rate → 9% top rate |
| New Hampshire | 108.5 / 113.9 | $102,373 | $2,808 | $54,946 | none on wages → 9% top rate |
| New York | 132.6 / 194.8 | $83,767 | $1,642 | $67,151 | 10.9% top rate → 9% top rate |
| Rhode Island | 110.9 / 117.1 | $100,158 | $2,731 | $56,161 | 5.99% top rate → 9% top rate |
| Vermont | 113.4 / 128.2 | $97,950 | $2,495 | $57,427 | 8.75% top rate → 9% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's composite index is 148.1 for Q2 2026, the 2nd highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $111,075 buys in Massachusetts.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Massachusetts?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Massachusetts's highest part is housing (213.2) and its lowest is groceries (105.3); all six parts are above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Massachusetts at 30% of income?
About $103,920 a year: Massachusetts's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $2,598 a month, and $31,176 a year is 30% of that salary.