Salary Needed to Live in Boston as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $42,300/year to live comfortably in Boston, MA — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$42,300
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$35,250
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,115
44% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Boston
| Expense | Boston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $258 | $137 | +88% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $41 | $27 | +52% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $19 | $19 | 0% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $50 | $35 | +43% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $217 | $229 | -5% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $62 | $58 | +7% |
| Internet | $99 | $65 | +52% |
| Phone (×2) | $213 | $140 | +52% |
| Dining & Social | $684 | $450 | +52% |
| Entertainment | $274 | $180 | +52% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $198 | $130 | +52% |
| Total Monthly | $2,115 | $1,470 | +44% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,115
Target savings (12%):$346/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,461
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$42,300
Other Household Types in Boston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Boston?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $42,300/year ($3,525/month gross) to live comfortably in Boston with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Boston?
A 1-2br apartment in Boston costs approximately $258/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Boston affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Boston is above the national average for couple (no kids) living costs, requiring 44% more salary than the US median.