Salary Needed to Live in Boston as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $92,084/year to live comfortably in Boston, MA — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$92,084
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$72,900
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,374
49% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Boston
| Expense | Boston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $395 | $209 | +89% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $67 | $44 | +52% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $29 | $28 | +4% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $62 | $44 | +41% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $217 | $229 | -5% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $62 | $58 | +7% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,824 | $1,200 | +52% |
| Internet + Phones | $274 | $180 | +52% |
| Children Activities | $380 | $250 | +52% |
| Dining Out | $532 | $350 | +52% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $304 | $200 | +52% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $228 | $150 | +52% |
| Total Monthly | $4,374 | $2,942 | +49% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,374
Target savings (15%):$975/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,349
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$92,084
Other Household Types in Boston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Boston?
A family with kids needs approximately $92,084/year ($7,674/month gross) to live comfortably in Boston with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Boston?
A 3br apartment/house in Boston costs approximately $395/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is Boston affordable for a family with kids?
Boston is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 49% more salary than the US median.