Massachusetts's cost of living index is 135 — 35.0% above the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
135
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
+35.0%
More expensive
Median Income
$89,026
Massachusetts median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$65,945
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 135 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | +35.0% | Above average cost |
| Median Household Income | $89,026 | Massachusetts median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $65,945 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Very High | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 7,029,917 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 135, Massachusetts is 35% above the national average. Higher costs in Massachusetts mean your dollar stretches less far than in most states. A salary of $89,026 in Massachusetts provides the equivalent purchasing power of $65,945 in a state with average cost of living.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Massachusetts's median home price of $560,000 is significantly above the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (5% top rate in Massachusetts), sales tax (6.25% state rate), and local property tax rates (1.23%).
