Can I Afford to Live in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts - World-class education, biotech boom, and colonial history. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in Massachusetts
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in Massachusetts
With median home value of $530,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $132,500/year and a down payment of $53,000 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in Massachusetts
With median rent of $1,800/month, you should earn at least $65K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is above the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
Massachusetts residents earn a median household income of $89,026/year. Rent takes approximately 24% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in Massachusetts
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 02120 Boston | $859 | 51 |
| 2 | 02119 Boston | $958 | 52 |
| 3 | 02127 Boston | $1,104 | 63 |
| 4 | 02111 Boston | $1,201 | 65 |
| 5 | 02134 Allston | $1,285 | 66 |
| 6 | 02115 Boston | $1,317 | 66 |
| 7 | 02118 Boston | $1,341 | 63 |
| 8 | 02139 Cambridge | $1,929 | 78 |
| 9 | 02109 Boston | $2,700 | 81 |
| 10 | 02116 Boston | $3,363 | 81 |
| 11 | 02108 Boston | $3,570 | 85 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in Massachusetts
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in Massachusetts
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Massachusetts?
To live comfortably in Massachusetts, you'd want to earn at least $64,800/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $530,000, aim for a salary of $132,500+.
Is Massachusetts expensive to live in?
Massachusetts has a median rent of $1,800/month, which is above the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in Massachusetts.
What is the most affordable city in Massachusetts?
The most affordable ZIP codes in Massachusetts are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.