Massachusetts / Suffolk County

Moving to Boston, MA

Thinking of making a move to Boston, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Boston, MA

Considering a move to Boston, MA? This welcoming community of 654,776 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $710,000 and average rents near $2,750. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Boston's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Boston, MA

Boston has a population of 654,776 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 45% White, 23% Black, and 10% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Boston is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 161.7. Median home values are around $710,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,750. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 622 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 44. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
37°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $89,212 and a low poverty rate of 17.6%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 53% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 33% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Boston offers quality education options, with public schools like Boston Latin School and O'Bryant School of Math & Science known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Harvard University and Boston University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 5.2 per 1,000 people and 96.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $710,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 35%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. Boston offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Boston handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Boston. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone
1-857-368-8000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Boston, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Boston, review the core fields on this page: population 654,776, median home value $710,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,750, commute time 31.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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