Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boston, MA
Thinking of moving to Boston, MA? With a vibrant population of 654,776 and a rich educational scene—over half of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher—Boston offers iconic neighborhoods and top-tier healthcare. The median home price is around $710,000 and average rent for a 2-bedroom is $2,750, reflecting the city’s higher cost of living. Residents enjoy 58% sunny days, walkable streets, and a strong public transit network, with average commutes of 31 minutes. While crime rates are moderate for a city of its size, Boston’s world-class schools, hospitals, and historic culture make it a uniquely rewarding place to call home.
Demographics - Boston, MA
Demographics - Boston, MA
Boston is home to about 655,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.6 and a notably diverse population—nearly 35% speak a language other than English at home. The city’s ethnic makeup includes significant White, Black, and Asian communities, creating a culturally vibrant atmosphere. High population density supports a lively urban environment with a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
654,776
Density:
14,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.6
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.6%
Black:
22.7%
Asian:
9.8%
Others:
22.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Boston, MA?
Living in Boston comes at a premium, with a median home value of $710,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,750. The overall cost of living index is 161.7, well above the national average, especially due to housing and utilities. Massachusetts’ state taxes and everyday expenses like groceries and transportation also contribute to the city’s higher-than-average costs.
Median House Value:
$710,000
Gross Rent:
$2,750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
161.7
Grocery:
120.6
Housing:
210.2
Utilities:
126.7
Transportation:
114.5
Health Care:
123.8
Miscellaneous:
106.2
Crime
Is Boston, MA a safe place to live?
Boston experiences moderate crime rates typical of large U.S. cities, with about 622 violent crimes and 2,262 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 161, while property crime risk is 1 in 44. Residents benefit from active law enforcement and ongoing community safety initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
622
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,262
Crime Index:
2,884
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 161
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Boston, MA year-round?
Boston’s climate features cold, snowy winters with average lows of 22°F, warm summers reaching up to 82°F, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city receives around 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 58% of the year. Seasonal changes offer a classic New England experience, with opportunities for both winter and summer activities.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Boston’s neighborhoods are economically varied, with a median household income of $89,212 and a family income of $112,000, though the city’s poverty rate stands at 17.6%. About a third of residents use public transit, and average commute times are just over 31 minutes. The community is highly educated, with over half of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$89,212
Family Income:
$112,000
Per Capita Income:
$46,900
Income Male:
$55,000
Income Female:
$49,000
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
34.5%
Rent:
$2,750
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
33.0%
Commute Time:
31.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.6%
Bachelors or More:
52.6%
Education
How are the schools in Boston, MA?
Education in Boston is a standout feature, with prestigious public schools like Boston Latin and access to leading private institutions and world-renowned universities such as Boston University and nearby Harvard. Over half the adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the city’s strong academic culture. Students benefit from diverse learning environments and robust extracurricular opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Boston Latin School
Street:
78 Avenue Louis Pasteur
Phone:
617-635-8895
Students:
2,480
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
O'Bryant School of Math & Science
Street:
55 Malcolm X Blvd
Phone:
617-635-9932
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Private Schools
Name:
Boston College High School
Street:
150 Morrissey Blvd
Phone:
617-436-3900
Students:
1,400
Colleges
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
Boston University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
34,000
Healthcare
Boston boasts outstanding healthcare, with renowned hospitals like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The city has a high physician-to-population ratio of 5.2 per 1,000 residents, and nearly 97% of people have health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from access to top-tier medical facilities and specialists.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Massachusetts General Hospital
Address:
55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114
Phone:
(617) 726-2000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Address:
75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone:
(617) 732-5500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
5.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.8%
Health Care Index:
80.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Boston, MA?
The Boston housing market is competitive, featuring a median home price of $710,000 and an average rent of $2,750 for a two-bedroom unit. Only about 35% of homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a strong rental market, and home values have appreciated by nearly 4% in the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a stable and in-demand market.
Median Home Price:
$710,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,750
Owner Occupied Rate:
34.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Boston residents are served by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located downtown with accessible services for licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs. The DMV offers online and in-person support, and can be reached at 1-857-368-8000 or via their official state website. This ensures efficient processing for both new and existing residents.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.