Cost of living in Massachusetts
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Massachusetts are 5.8% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 105.8 (U.S. = 100), making it the #7 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Massachusetts with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Massachusetts prices
- 8.2% cheaper
- Take-home in Massachusetts at $75,000
- $57,718$4,810 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $52,969$4,414 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +16.3%+$8,623 a year in Massachusetts buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Massachusetts take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Massachusetts with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Massachusetts as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Massachusetts? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Massachusetts prices by category
| Category | Massachusetts | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 105.8 | +5.8% |
| Goods | 98.8 | −1.2% |
| Housing (rent) | 128.1 | +28.1% |
| Utilities | 152.1 | +52.1% |
| Other services | 102.9 | +2.9% |
Housing is the main reason Massachusetts costs more: rents run 28% above average. The overall price level fell 1.8% relative to the nation versus 2023 (107.7). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Massachusetts, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $10,155 | $39,845 | $37,676 | $47,278 |
| $75,000 | $17,283 | $57,718 | $54,576 | $70,917 |
| $100,000 | $26,060 | $73,940 | $69,915 | $94,556 |
At $75,000, Massachusetts ranks #45 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Massachusetts paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Massachusetts equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Massachusetts. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Massachusetts once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | −3.3% | $72,534 | $70,799 |
| Connecticut | −2.0% | $73,477 | $73,245 |
| New York | +2.0% | $76,535 | $76,727 |
| Vermont | −7.4% | $69,469 | $66,210 |
| New Hampshire | −1.5% | $73,871 | $68,257 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −17.8% | $61,653 | $58,420 |
| Mississippi | −17.8% | $61,665 | $58,341 |
| Iowa | −17.0% | $62,238 | $58,870 |
| Oklahoma | −16.9% | $62,296 | $59,612 |
| California | +4.7% | $78,520 | $79,249 |
| Hawaii | +4.0% | $77,974 | $79,303 |
| Washington, DC | +3.9% | $77,939 | $78,050 |
| New Jersey | +2.9% | $77,162 | $76,387 |
| Texas | −8.2% | $68,830 | $63,210 |
| Florida | −2.2% | $73,338 | $67,674 |
Moving from Massachusetts to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Is Massachusetts expensive to live in?
Massachusetts has a price level of 105.8 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 5.8% above the national average. It ranks #45 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Massachusetts?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $79,318 in Massachusetts before taxes. After Massachusetts taxes, $75,000 takes home $57,718 — worth $54,576 at U.S.-average prices, #45 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's housing price level is 128.1, meaning rents are 28.1% above the national average. Goods are 98.8 and utilities 152.1.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Vermont (price level 98.0, −7.4% vs Massachusetts). A $75,000 Massachusetts salary is equivalent to $66,210 there after taxes.
Your business here? Sponsor this calculator from $19/week. See placements
Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.