Moving to Boston, MA

Thinking about moving to Boston, MA? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 148 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $3,100/month, summers average 59°F, and Massachusetts has a top income tax rate of 9%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Boston.

Cost of living
148
Typical 2BR rent
$3,100/mo
Avg summer high
59°F
Avg winter low
44°F

Cost of living in Boston

Boston's cost-of-living index is 148 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $3,100 per month. Massachusetts levies a top income tax rate of 9% and an average combined sales tax of 6.25%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 59°F, winter lows around 44°F, and about 43.8 inches of precipitation a year in Boston. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. Weather is moderate most of the year; any off-peak month works well.

Setting up utilities in Boston

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Boston–Cambridge area that typically means Eversource, National Grid, Boston Water & Sewer. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Boston expensive to live in?
Boston has a cost-of-living index of 148 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $3,100/month.
What's the weather like in Boston?
Summer highs average 59°F, winter lows about 44°F, with roughly 43.8 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Boston?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15