Cost-of-living index in Boston, Q3 2023 By the numbers: Boston's cost-of-living index value was 48% higher than the national average, as of the third quarter of 2023. Boston's most expensive category was housing, which clocked in at 127% more than the U.S. average.

With rental rates well above the national average and one of the highest appreciation rates in the nation, the Boston real estate market is built on solid economic fundamentals. Apartment vacancy rates are incredibly low in Boston. Savvy investors are utilizing square footage better than ever to produce better returns.

Summary: Boston housing prices by bedroom type for March 2024 compared to the previous year: The home price of 1 bedroom homes increased by 0.3%, 2 bedroom homes increased by 4.9%, 3 bedroom homes increased by 2.2%, 4 bedroom homes decreased by 1.1%, and 5+ bedroom homes decreased by 0.8%.