Moving to Boston, MA

Top Reasons to Move to Boston, MA

Boston is a city full of opportunities. Boston has it all, whether you are seeking high-quality living or better job prospects. The thriving economy and great public services make this city a prime location for new residents. Here are the top reasons to move to Boston.

• Strong economy

  Boston boasts a diverse and resilient economy driven by finance, technology, education, and healthcare industries. The city consistently ranks among the top metropolitan areas for economic strength in the U.S.

• Prestigious universities

  Boston is home to world-renowned universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Boston University, making it a hub for education and innovation.

• Thriving job market

  With a strong presence of tech startups, biotech companies, and top hospitals, Boston’s job market offers vast opportunities for professionals across various fields.

• High quality of life

  From beautiful parks and a walkable urban layout to world-class healthcare and public services, Boston provides a high quality of life that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Cost of living in Boston

The cost of living in Boston is 43.6% higher than the US average. Housing costs are particularly steep. Note that the typical home is usually priced at $680,000. This exceeds the national average by 101%. The utility and transportation expenses remain higher than the national average. However, grocery and miscellaneous costs are somewhat closer to national figures.

Here is a detailed breakdown of living expenses in Boston compared to state and national figures.

How is the Job Market in Boston, MA?

If you are packing the bags to Boston for a job, you’ll be happy to know that the city’s economy is booming and produces a lot of job opportunities. Boston is a major hub for healthcare, technology, and finance. We know that you want to know more. To help you, we’ve collated a few job-related facts, which may benefit you.

• The job growth in Boston has been positive.
• The future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 35.0%.
• The unemployment rate here is 4.7%.
• Jobs have increased by 0.7% over the past year.
• The average salary in Boston is $75,000.
• The median home cost in Boston is much higher than the national average.

Will you be paying more taxes or less if you move to Boston?

Here's a simple breakdown of taxes in Boston using data collated from Smart Asset:

• Sales Tax: Massachusetts has a 6.25% sales tax. Boston doesn’t add any additional local sales tax, so what you see is what you pay.
• Income Tax: Massachusetts levies a flat 5% income tax. However, incomes over $1 million are subject to an additional 4% surtax, often referred to as the “millionaire tax.”
• Property Tax: The average effective property tax rate in Boston is approximately 1.04% of a property's assessed value.
• Gas Tax: Massachusetts applies a state gas tax of 24 cents per gallon of gasoline.
• Diesel Tax: Diesel is taxed at 24 cents per gallon in Massachusetts.

What are the Best Things to do in Boston, Massachusetts?

Boston is a city that will always amaze you. The city symbolizes the rush of standing where history was made. Boston is all about the taste of fresh cannoli in the North End and the roar of Fenway Park on game night. Boston has a way of attracting you, whether you are exploring centuries-old streets or watching the sunset over the Charles. Here are ten unforgettable things to do if you are moving here or visiting.

• Walk the Freedom Trail

  Boston wears its history on its sleeve, and the Freedom Trail is the best way to see it. Follow the red-brick path through old cemeteries, churches, and meeting halls. Stand where revolutionaries once stood. It is history, but in a way that makes you feel it.

• Catch a Game at Fenway Park

  Even if you do not care about baseball, Fenway will win you over. The Fenway Park has unique energy and passion. The sound of a ball cracking off the bat is pure excitement. It is a Boston tradition, and when the crowd erupts for a Red Sox home run, you’ll feel like a local.

• Relax in Boston Common and Public Garden

  In the middle of the city’s hustle, these parks feel like a deep breath. Walk beneath the giant willow trees, watch the Swan Boats glide by, or sit and watch people. In winter, grab your skates and hit the Frog Pond.

• Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

  The museum is a journey through time and culture. From Egyptian tombs to Monet’s water lilies, every room pulls you. You don’t need to be an art lover to feel something here.

• Explore the Food Scene at the North End

  The smell of fresh bread and the sound of Italian being spoken on the street are pure delight. The warmth of a family-owned trattoria is what attracts people. Boston’s North End isn’t about food—it’s about tradition. Grab a plate of homemade pasta, and don’t leave without trying cannoli.

• Experience Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall

  This place is alive with street performers, local shops, and food stalls serving up lobster rolls and clam chowder. It is the kind of place where you can lose track of time, soaking up the energy.

• Walk the Charles River Esplanade

  Boston’s skyline on one side, the river on the other. Whether you are jogging, biking, or strolling, the Esplanade is where the city slows down. Come at sunset, and you will see why locals never get tired of this view.

• Visit the New England Aquarium

  Step inside and watch sea turtles glide past, penguins waddle around, and sharks circle the massive ocean tank. It is a reminder of how vast and beautiful the ocean is. Kids love it, but let us be honest—adults do too.

• Tour Harvard University

  Walk through Harvard Yard and feel the history. See the statue of John Harvard (and watch tourists rub his foot for luck). This place has shaped some of the world’s greatest minds, and being here makes you feel a little smarter.

• Throw Tea into the Harbor at the Boston Tea Party Museum

  It is one thing to read about the American Revolution, and it is another to be part of it. Stand on a replica ship, grab a box of tea, and toss it overboard. In that moment, you’re not just learning history—you’re living it.

Safety in Boston, MA

If you are moving to a new city with the family, the safety of your dear ones will be a concern, and the crime rate plays a major role in your final call on relocation. When the new destination is Boston, you’ll find a city that’s relatively safe in many neighborhoods, though some areas do have higher crime levels. Property-related offenses are more common than violent crimes. The city is considered safer than 25% of US cities. In Boston, 55% of residents feel secure in their neighborhoods. Here are some updated crime stats for Boston.

• Boston’s violent crime rate is 629.7 per 100,000 residents, while the US average is 22.7.
• Boston’s property crime rate is 1,802 per 100,000 residents, while the US average is 35.4.
• Your chance of being a violent crime victim is 1 in 161 in Boston.
• Your chance of being a property crime victim is 1 in 49 in Boston.
• About 55% of the population feels safe in Boston.
• Boston is safer than 25% of US cities.