Rent vs Buy Calculator — Boston, MA
Prefilled with Boston estimates: a ~$780,000 home (about $156,000 for 20% down) versus ~$3,100/mo rent. Massachusetts's effective property tax of 1.14% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $8,892/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $1,900/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Boston?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Massachusetts's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 1.14% on a $780,000 home that's about $8,892 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Boston, MA different
- Median home price estimate: $780,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $3,100
- Massachusetts effective property tax: 1.14% (~$8,892/yr here)
- Massachusetts avg. homeowners insurance: $1,900/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.