Here is the wage required to “live comfortably” in Boston, in accordance with a brand new research

It’s getting dearer to afford a comfy life-style in Boston, in accordance with a brand new research.

The report from monetary planning web site SmartAsset discovered {that a} single grownup must make $139,776 to be able to “live comfortably” within the metropolis. Last yr, the quantity was $133,378.

For a working household of 4, the 2 adults have to make $368,742 in mixed wage for comfy residing.

The wage required to dwell comfortably in Boston is the sixth-highest within the nation, the research discovered. Four California cities are forward of Boston, and New York City tops the listing with a wanted wage of slightly below $159,000 for one particular person and $337,875 for a household of 4. 

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, San Antonio, Texas had the bottom wage required to dwell comfortably at $83,242 for a single grownup and $192,608 for households. 

What does it imply to “live comfortably?”

SmartAsset says residing comfortably means making sufficient cash to observe a 50/30/20 funds. Under that rule, 50% of post-tax earnings goes to wants like housing, well being care and transportation, 30% to desires like journey and eating out, and 20% to save lots of for the longer term and pay money owed.

The research used the MIT Living Wage Calculator to provide you with its wage necessities.

Affordability in Boston

The median family earnings in Boston, in accordance with SmartAsset, is $97,791 – far beneath even a single grownup’s wanted wage for a snug life-style. 

The Boston Foundation’s 2025 Housing Report Card discovered {that a} family earnings of greater than $162,000 is required simply to afford a starter residence within the Boston space. The price of a starter residence in Greater Boston is simply over $500,000, the report discovered. 

A ballot carried out final fall discovered that one in three Massachusetts voters are contemplating leaving the state due to the excessive price of residing. The greatest strains on family budgets have been recognized as utility payments, well being care prices, housing and groceries. 

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