Cost of living

The cost of living in Massachusetts is slightly higher than the national average but not excessively so. The cost of housing is mainly comparable to other states around the country. Massachusetts also has several tax incentives for individuals and businesses, making it an attractive place to live and work. For example, there are specific provisions within state law that reward those who invest in certain types of charitable organizations or start up new businesses in economically distressed areas. There are also generous tax credits available to homeowners who improve their properties or invest in renewable energy. To put in perspective, in 2022, the Total cost of living with rent is around $2233 for one person and $4955 for a family of four. Without rent, it’s $775 for one person and $2604 for a family of four.

Real Estate

Housing in Massachusetts is diverse, with many different types of properties available for purchase or rent. In addition to single-family homes in suburban and rural areas, there are also apartment complexes and condominiums located in urban centers throughout the state. Since the housing in Bay State is expensive, the state also offers rental assistance for very low-income households through its housing choice voucher program, called Section 8. Families who qualify for this voucher choose their housing, and the state pays a portion of their rent. Prices for one bedroom apartment in 2022 go around $1500 in Boston, $900 in Worcester for two or three-bedroom apartments, and about $800 in Springfield for a two-bedroom apartment.

Job Market

The average salary as of 2022 in Massachusetts is approximately $65,507 annually. Of course, salaries can vary depending on the occupation and experience. Some of the top paying jobs in Massachusetts are Owner Operator Truck Driver, Pediatrics Physician, and Internist, all of which earn at least $200,000 annually. It is also possible that the pay is better in some areas of the state. For example, Cambridge is the city with the highest annual average salary of $84,542. On the other hand, jobs with the most active job markets are Dentists, Nurse anesthetists, and Anesthesia Nurses. They are paid around $142,149, approximately 30% more than the state average salary of $65,507.

Strong Education System

Education in Massachusetts is above average when compared to other states. It also contains some of the nation’s best college campuses and biggest urban centers. The Bay State is home to some of America’s best colleges and universities, including Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, and Wellesley College in Wellesley. Many public schools throughout the state offer a full complement of educational opportunities for children at all grade levels. There are several private schools as well as charter schools that cater to students with special needs or interests.

Getting around

Massachusetts uses the MBTA fixed-route and paratransit public transportation system. If you don’t have a car, you can take a train (Cape Flyer between Boston and Cape Cod), ferry, or even rent a bike. Many Regional Transit Authorities in Eastern Mass even offer long-distance medical shuttles into Boston. There are additional offers for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income youth for reduced fares. You might also be interested in The RIDE’s on-demand paratransit pilot, allowing RIDE customers to sign up for subsidized trips on Lyft, Uber, and Curb.

Activities

From Boston’s bustling urban hub at its core to rural towns in the western part of the state to Appalachian mountain ranges along the Maine border, Massachusetts encompasses a vast array of environments and terrain types. Massachusetts is also home to some of America’s most beautiful beaches, making it ideal for those who enjoy being close to the water. The state also has a wide variety of parks, which offer everything from hiking trails to golf courses. Some things you should visit: Fenway Park (Boston), House Of The Seven Gables (Salem), Cape Cod National Seashore (Wellfleet), Freedom Trail (Boston), Harvard University (Cambridge), Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth), Hammond Castle Museum (Gloucester).

Massachusetts Gems

• Aquinnah Cliffs
• Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
• Bartholomew’s Cobble
• Bash Bish Falls
• Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
• Halibut Point State Park
• Wellfleet Kettle Ponds
• Benson’s Pond Cranberry Bog