Living Expenses in Boston: Rent, Food Prices, & More

One of the most popular study locations for Indian students is Boston. Per QS Best Student Cities 2024, it is featured 10th on the list. The city is fondly known as Beantown and is a hub of educational institutions (including Harvard Medical School), business conglomerates, and cultural attractions. If you are planning to move to the city, you are bound to ponder – the cost of living in Boston. 

Per Payscale, Boston's living cost is higher than the national average. While it may seem costlier than other cities, affordable options are still available. Here is a basic guide to the living expenses in Boston that you should budget for during your stay.

Average Cost of Living in Boston

The average cost of living for one individual is roughly $3,071 per month with rent. According to Payscale, the average living cost in Boston is around 50% more than the national average. At the same time, housing costs here are 124% more than the national average, while transportation costs are 28% higher than the national benchmark. 

Moreover, utility costs are also 25% higher than the national average. Hence, the cost of living in Boston for Indians -  is considerably higher than most places in the United States (US).

Cost of Living in Boston Against Number of Family Members

Here is the average cost of living in Boston, based on the number of family members. 

List of Necessary Items with Their Cost

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the necessities that add up to the cost of living in Boston for Indian and other international students. 

• Bread loaf- $4.42
• A gallon of milk- $2.77
• Carton of eggs- $2.56
• Bunch of bananas- $3.82
• Hamburger- $5.84

Average Rent in Boston 

According to the Payscale, the average monthly rental in Boston is $3,071(approx.). This would; however, vary based on the accommodation type. Moreover, as per a survey, Boston’s five-year average growth rate in rent — between 2017 and 2022 — came out to 4.6% per year.

Read More: Universities in Massachusetts 

Study Cost and University Tuition Fees in Boston

The study costs add up to the overall average cost of attendance in Boston. The costs vary, depending on the course and university. Here is an example of costs at Boston University. 

• Tuition Costs- $63,798 per year
• Additional Fees- $1,370 per year
• Books & Supplies- $1,000 per year 

Transportation Costs in Boston

Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, knowing the best travel options in the city would make your life easier. The "T": The public transportation system in Boston is so extensive that it would keep you covered. Here are the transportation costs in Boston: 

• Subway Fare- $2.50
• Bus Fare- $2 
• Monthly Link Pass- $70 per month for both buses and subways

Note: Using a CharlieCard will help you to make your travel cheaper in Boston. Paying via cash or this card,  the subway fare is $2.00, and the bus costs 1.50. 

Cost of Utilities and Bills in Boston

Energy bills are usually around $221.73 per month, phone bills total approximately $238.54 monthly, and gas costs $4.34 per gallon.

Affordable Places to Live in Boston 

Here are some affordable places to live in Boston (estimated in rentals per month):

• Newburyport- $1,719 
• Dorchester- $1,502
• Somerville- $800-1,926
• Cambridge- $1,578
• Roxbury- $1,600

As can be seen, the cost of living in Boston may be higher than the national average, but with careful planning and estimation, you can still find affordable areas to stay in the city. At the same time, you can plan smartly in advance to lower your overall monthly expenditure on food, dining out, and transportation, among other things. 

Know More About Study in USA:

• Universities in USA for Masters
• One Year MS Programs in US
• Masters in USA
• Salary After MS in USA
• Part - Time Jobs in USA for Indian & International Students