F
70%
Overall NAT. AVG.
22%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
187%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Burlington Massachusetts National
Cost of living170133100
Goods & Services122122100
Groceries105105100
Health care113113100
Housing287165100
Transportation118118100
Utilities134134100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Burlington, MA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Burlington is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Burlington is 170, which is 70% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Burlington may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Burlington falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Burlington cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 186.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

The things you purchase regularly, like clothes, haircuts, movie tickets and gym memberships, can make a big dent in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. Unfortunately in Burlington, these items will cost you 21.6% more than what's considered the norm, making it a more expensive place to call home.

Is Burlington Affordable?

Is Burlington affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Burlington, for instance, where the median home price falls 218.7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 112.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Burlington flaunting a median household income of $121,433, 119.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Burlington?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Burlington, healthcare costs are 12.9% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Burlington, is 186.8% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Burlington, the utilities index registers at 33.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Burlington displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

New Real Estate Listings in Burlington Area
Search Homes for Sale in Burlington, MA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Burlington is 28% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Burlington is 70% higher than the national average
  • Burlington housing is 187% higher than the national average
  • Massachusetts general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Massachusetts state income tax is 93% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Burlington

See all the best places to live around Burlington

Compare Burlington, MA Cost of Living

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Burlington?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Burlington?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Burlington poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$132,408$11,034$3,089$3,973
      Renters$78,940$6,578$1,842$2,368
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Burlington, MA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Burlington, homeowners have a median income of $132,408. Using that number, a maximum of $3,089 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $78,940, which means there is a maximum of $1,842 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Massachusetts Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Massachusetts 6.25% 6.25%

      Massachusetts Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Massachusetts 5% 9%

      Goods & Services

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Haircut $43.72$24.2680.2%
      Beauty Salon $65.56$45.5643.9%
      Toothpaste $3.53$3.704.7%
      Shampoo $1.49$1.2816.4%
      Movie $15.49$12.1327.6%
      Bowling $29.33$18.0063.0%

      Groceries

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.48$5.846.2%
      Fried Chicken $1.45$1.578.0%
      Milk $4.76$4.671.9%
      Potatoes $4.99$4.931.1%
      Pizza $12.52$12.093.6%
      Beer $10.21$10.411.9%

      Health Care

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $123.17$125.682.0%
      Doctor $157.89$135.7816.3%
      Dentist $149.22$113.2931.7%
      Ibuprofen $11.39$10.656.9%
      Lipitor $384.69$468.6017.9%

      Housing

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Home Price $588,600.00$184,700.00218.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $4,745.89$2,346.69102.2%
      Apartment Rent $2,016.00$949.00112.4%

      Transportation

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.43$3.460.9%
      Tire Balancing $97.39$59.9262.5%

      Utilities

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $302.72$193.9956.0%
      Phone $187.85$192.252.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lawrence, MA80,02212726.7%
      Lowell, MA111,31112827.6%
      Lynn, MA94,20113635.5%
      Maynard, MA10,90013635.8%
      Littleton Common, MA3,37013939.4%
      Burlington, MA28,07717069.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Greenville, TX28,0881000.2%
      Immokalee, FL28,060955.0%
      Saratoga Springs, NY28,05612525.5%
      Melrose, MA28,05416767.2%
      Bethany, OR28,04715858.3%
      Burlington, MA28,07717069.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.