Salary in Boston 2026: Take-Home, Budget, Cost of Living
Take-home at multiple salary levels, 50/30/20 budget, MIT living wage, neighbourhood rents, and top employers. Massachusetts state tax verified April 2026.
94
COL Index (NYC=100)
$2,800/mo
Median 1BR Rent
$4,000
State Tax ($80K)
$64,000/yr
MIT Living Wage (single)
Your Take-Home in Boston
$
$80,000/yr in Boston
$5,076/mo
take-home after all taxes
Federal + FICA$15,092
Massachusetts State Tax$4,000
Annual Take-Home$60,908
Is $X a Good Salary in Boston?
| Annual | Take-Home/mo | Rent/Take-Home | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,320 | 84% | Tight |
| $75,000 | $4,803 | 58% | Tight |
| $100,000 | $6,165 | 45% | Workable |
| $150,000 | $8,837 | 32% | Solid |
Rent as % of monthly take-home. Under 33%: excellent. Under 40%: solid. Under 50%: workable. Over 50%: tight.
MIT Living Wage, Boston (Massachusetts)
$64,000/yr
Single adult
$168,000/yr
Family of 4
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator 2025.
Cost of Living in Boston, MA (Numbeo Q1 2026)
94 / 100
COL Index
vs NYC baseline
89 / 100
Rent Index
residential rents
96 / 100
Groceries Index
vs NYC
$90/mo
Transit Cost
monthly pass or equivalent
Neighbourhoods and Rent Ranges in Boston
Back Bay ($2,800-5,500), South End ($2,500-5,000), Cambridge ($2,400-4,800), Somerville ($2,000-3,800), Dorchester ($1,600-3,000)
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index, April 2026. Ranges reflect studio to 2-bedroom.
Top Employers in Boston
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Liberty Mutual, State Street, Fidelity
Source: BLS QCEW 2024, company public disclosures.
Boston vs Nearby Cities on $80,000/yr
Massachusetts state income tax: see full rate breakdown at incometaxbystate.comCost of living by stateAll 25 metros
Boston Salary FAQ
What is a good salary in Boston in 2026?+
A 'good' salary in Boston is one where rent consumes less than 30% of gross monthly income or 33% of take-home. On $80,000 per year in Boston, take-home is determined by federal tax, FICA, and Massachusetts state tax. Use the calculator above to see exact figures. The MIT Living Wage Calculator (2025) estimates a single adult in Boston needs roughly the living wage figure shown above for a basic comfortable life without savings margin.
How much is rent in Boston?+
The Zillow Observed Rent Index for Boston (April 2026) shows a median 1-bedroom rent in the range listed in the city data above. Rent varies significantly by neighbourhood. Check the neighbourhood notes section for sub-city rent variation.
What is the take-home on $80,000 in Boston?+
On $80,000 per year, a single filer in Boston pays federal income tax plus FICA. Massachusetts state income tax applies at the rate shown in the calculator above. Use the calculator to see exact take-home for your filing status.
Does Boston have a city income tax?+
Boston does not charge a separate city income tax in 2026. State income tax is the only sub-federal income tax applicable.
How does Boston compare to the national average?+
The cost of living index for Boston (Numbeo Q1 2026, NYC=100) is shown in the stats above. A higher index means higher costs than NYC; lower means cheaper. For a direct side-by-side comparison with any other city, use the compare tool linked below.