Lobster rolls, Dunkin Donuts, and the Patriots. Boston is known for many things, but affordable living is not one of them. Like many Northeastern cities, the cost of living in Boston is significantly higher than the national average. Numbeo’s cost of living index, which factors consumer goods prices including groceries, transportation, and utilities, gives Boston a score of 88.27 out of 100. For comparison, NYC is the index benchmark at 100. Here is a breakdown of the cost of living in Boston:   Housing: Boston’s rental prices are estimated at the third highest in the country with Zumper reporting that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,650. This is more than double the national average. In terms of home purchase prices, Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the US and falls between San Francisco and Los Angeles pricing. According to realtor.com the median listing home price in Boston was “$799,000, trending up 6.5% year over year.”   Utilities: The average utility bill in Boston is approximately 17% higher than the national average. This is largely due to the frosty winters and the humid summers which will impact your monthly energy bill.   Food: Boston may be famous for its creamy bowls of New England clam chowder, decadent cream pies, and the Italian gems of the North End, but you better be prepared to pay a pretty penny when dining out.   Taxes: Massachusetts is a high tax state and is sometimes referred to as ‘taxachusetts’ by its inhabitants. The state’s income tax rate sits at 5.10% and statewide sales tax rate at 6.25%. This sales tax rate is “applied to all items excluding non-restaurant food and clothing under $175.”