Cost of Living

Boston is relatively expensive, though less so than many people imagine. The tables below compare: 1) the cost of living in different US cities in 2021 based on an income of $73,000, which is approximately the salary of a junior resident in the BCRP, and 2) the average monthly rental for a two bedroom apartment. Comparatively, Boston is similar to Oakland, Seattle, New Haven, Los Angeles and Baltimore, less than New York, Washington, Palo Alto, and San Francisco, and more than Philadelphia, Denver and Cincinnati. BCRP salaries, which are higher than average, and the extensive benefit package make the relative costs even lower. In addition, Boston Children’s Hospital is only 4 blocks from the elegant suburb of Brookline, with one of the best school systems in the Boston area, and the hospital is very near two subway lines that serve the downtown and suburban neighborhoods. So residents can live in high quality communities without the expense of a car (or extra car) to get to work. In our experience, the cost of living is only restrictive for couples with multiple children and one salary, particularly if there are extra expenses for schooling or child care or loan repayments. We are happy to connect applicants who wish to explore cost of living with current or recent past residents in similar situations.

Though Massachusetts has a reputation as a high tax state, tax-wise it is near the average of all states. Moreover, Massachusetts is rated among the best states in terms of the many factors that matter to most people.

For those interested in purchasing property, the Harvard Faculty Real Estate Office provides useful services.