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A good salary in Massachusetts varies significantly between Greater Boston and the rest of the state. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, MA average | $75,000-$100,000 | $60,000-$75,000 |
| Single in Boston | $90,000-$120,000 | $75,000-$90,000 |
| Single in Cambridge | $95,000-$125,000 | $80,000-$95,000 |
| Single in Worcester | $55,000-$75,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Family of 4 | $130,000-$175,000 | $110,000-$130,000 |
Key advantage: Massachusetts has a strong job market in biotech, healthcare, finance, and education with salaries to match the higher costs.
Why Massachusetts Is Expensive
Massachusetts challenges include:
- High housing costs especially in Greater Boston
- State income tax at 5% flat rate (plus 4% surtax on income over $1M)
- Cost of living 18% above national average
- Expensive healthcare despite good coverage options
Good Salary by Massachusetts Area
Boston
The most expensive area with premium salaries in tech, biotech, and finance.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $55,000 | $100,000 |
| Comfortable | $80,000 | $140,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $110,000+ | $180,000+ |
Median home price: ~$750,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$2,900/month
Cambridge / Somerville
Tech hub near MIT and Harvard with high demand.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $60,000 | $105,000 |
| Comfortable | $85,000 | $145,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $115,000+ | $190,000+ |
Median home price: ~$850,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$3,100/month
Worcester
Central MA’s largest city, much more affordable.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $70,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$380,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,500/month
Springfield / Western MA
The most affordable region with lower salaries to match.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $65,000 |
| Comfortable | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $60,000+ | $105,000+ |
Median home price: ~$290,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,250/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Massachusetts?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $75,000 | $280,000-$310,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
| $150,000 | $580,000-$640,000 |
| $200,000 | $780,000-$860,000 |
See our mortgage affordability calculators for detailed breakdowns.
Massachusetts vs. Other States
| State | $100K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $73,500 | 118 |
| New York | $71,500 | 123 |
| Connecticut | $73,800 | 111 |
| New Hampshire | $78,800 | 105 |
| Rhode Island | $74,200 | 101 |
Related Guides
- Salary Needed to Live in Boston
- What is a good salary in New York?
- How much house on $100K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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