Regional Price Parity, all items
105.8
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Housing price parity (rents)
128.1
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Utilities price parity
152.1
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Goods price parity
98.8
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Healthcare index
120
Regular gasoline price
$4.3 per gallon
Week of 2026-10-05 · U.S. EIA weekly retail price
Cost of living index
144.7
U.S. avg = 100 (3rd)
Housing cost index
212
Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024144.7▲ 19%
MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Composite cost index.
Regional Price Parity, all items
105.8
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Rank
3rd most expensive
U.S. average
100
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024105.8▼ 0%
BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 105.8 | 100 |
- •Massachusetts is the third-most expensive state to live in, driven above all by housing costs more than twice the national level.
Housing Costs
Housing component of the index.
Housing price parity (rents)
128.1
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Median home value
$611,000
Median rent
$1,845
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024128.1▲ 1%
BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 128.1 | 100 |
Utility Costs
Energy and utility spending.
Utilities price parity
152.1
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Electricity price per kWh (Boston–Cambridge–Newton)
$0.3 per kWh
2024 · BLS Average Price Data
Avg. electricity bill
$168 /mo
Electricity price
28.4 ¢/kWh
Utilities price parity
2008–2024152.1▲ 1%
BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Boston–Cambridge–Newton)
1979–2024$0.3▲ 426%
BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS11A72610).
| Indicator | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 152.1 | 100 |
Food Costs
Grocery spending.
Goods price parity
98.8
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Goods price parity
2008–202498.8▲ 0%
BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 98.8 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Medical spending.
Healthcare index
120
Avg. single premium
$8,300 /yr
Out-of-pocket
≈ $1,450 /yr
| Indicator | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare index | 120 | 100 |
Transportation Costs
Cost of getting around.
Regular gasoline price
$4.3 per gallon
Week of 2026-10-05 · U.S. EIA weekly retail price
MBTA monthly pass
$90
Regular gasoline price
2004–2025$2.97▲ 60%
U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Massachusetts, annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_SMA_DPG).
| Indicator | Massachusetts | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.3 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
More figures
Utilities index
137
Food & groceries index
110
Healthcare index
120
Transportation index
111
Avg. electricity bill
$168 /mo