Cost of Living in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Suffolk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Suffolk County ranks #2,283 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Suffolk: Boston's brutal affordability crisis
Suffolk County renters spend 26.7% of their income on rent—the worst ratio in Massachusetts and far above the national average of 19.3%—despite a median household income of $92,859. This urban county, anchored by Boston, exemplifies how concentrated wealth and constrained supply create severe affordability crises.
Least affordable county in Massachusetts
Suffolk's 26.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks as Massachusetts's worst affordability measure, more than 7 percentage points above the state average of 19.3%. The county's $2,069 median rent approaches suburban levels, yet incomes lag suburban counties by $30,000–$35,000, creating a perfect storm of unaffordability.
Urban core pays double nearby suburbs
Suffolk's rent burden of 26.7% shatters adjacent Norfolk (19.7%) and Middlesex (20.1%), while its median income of $92,859 trails both by $34,000. Boston and inner suburbs (Suffolk) face a fundamentally different housing market than outer suburbs—same rents, far lower incomes.
Renters squeezed harder than anywhere
Suffolk renters pay $2,069 monthly—26.7% of just $92,859 in median income—while homeowners spend $2,354 or 30.4%, the highest ownership burden in the state. This county's lower incomes combined with urban-core rents create the state's most acute housing stress.
Boston living requires significant income
Suffolk County only pencils out for earners above $120,000—significantly higher than surrounding counties—making it poorly suited for average-income relocators. If you're considering a Boston move but earn under $110,000, suburban Plymouth, Norfolk, or Worcester offer identical urban access with dramatically better affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Suffolk County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Suffolk County, the market is moderately affordable. Expect to pay around $2,069/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Suffolk County is $2,069/month, while owner costs run $2,354/month. Renting saves approximately $285/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $82,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $100,886/year. With a median household income of $92,859, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Suffolk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Suffolk County sits 3% less expensive than Middlesex County ($2,126/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Suffolk County
Rent Burden
26.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,167
per month
Owner Cost Burden
30.4%
of gross income
The median home in Suffolk County may be a stretch
Median home value is $680,700. Estimated monthly cost: $5,434 vs. your max of $2,167.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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