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Boston, Massachusetts Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Boston, Massachusetts at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $701,400
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security exempt; many public pensions exempt with partial rules for others.
- Avg January Low
- 23.4°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 161 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 32 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Boston, Massachusetts, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Boston's cost of living is 61% above the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Boston using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$1,520
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$1,707
Median home price used: $701,400
Median rent reference: $1,970 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Boston, Massachusetts after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Boston scores 21.2 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Boston
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Boston →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Massachusetts has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 270 sunny days a year and an average January low of 23.4°F, Boston offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Boston
What is the cost of living in Boston, Massachusetts for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 161, roughly 61% above the national average of 100. Median home price is around $701,400.
Does Massachusetts tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Massachusetts residents: State income tax; Social Security exempt; many public pensions exempt with partial rules for others.
What is the climate like in Boston, Massachusetts?▾
Boston, Massachusetts has January average low around 23°F, July average high around 85°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Boston, Massachusetts?▾
Boston scores 21/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
STRATEGIC ADVISERS LLC
TIAA KASPICK, LLC
MIDDLETON & COMPANY INC.
+56 more financial advisors available