Why Move to Boston?
Boston has one of the best healthcare systems in America, along with prestigious universities, which attract many Brits wanting to work or study. Boston is an expensive city to live in, so if you’re looking to buy, it’s worth looking at properties just outside the city.
Best Places to Live in Boston
If you’re moving to work or study in Harvard or MIT, then living near Cambridge will be a plus. Boasting a lively atmosphere and a diverse cultural scene, this is an ideal location for young professionals. Try Brookline for excellent schools, green space and a family friendly feel. Do your research and pick an area that suits your budget and requirements.
Cost of Living in Boston
The cost of living in Boston is 2.4% higher than in the UK (London). This includes restaurant, grocery and rental prices. It is however cheaper to buy property in Boston compared to the UK. The average salary in Boston is higher than in the UK by 14.9%, which helps to make up for the overall higher cost of living.
Below we compare the cost of living in Boston with the UK by looking at London prices.
Cost of Living Comparison: Boston vs. London
Item |
Boston |
UK (London) |
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$3,160.17 (£2,452.08)
|
£2,170.83
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$11,646.30 (£9,036.30)
|
£13,403.96 |
Monthly salary after tax |
$5,521.91 (£4,284.63)
|
£3,732 |
3 course meal for 2 people, mid-range restaurant |
$105 (£81.47)
|
£80 |
1 litre of milk |
$1.29 (£1)
|
£1.33 |
1kg chicken fillets |
$13.82 (£10.72)
|
£7.41 |
Monthly travel pass |
$90 (£69.83)
|
£200 |
Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment |
$194.84 (£151.18)
|
£281.33 |
Monthly gym membership |
$86.07 (£66.79)
|
£45.33 |
Monthly private preschool |
$2,528.57 (£1,962)
|
£1,815.85 |
Data taken from Numbeo.
Property Prices & Rent in Boston
Average house prices in Boston are expensive, with a high demand for properties increasing asking prices. In 2024, rent prices in Boston are 0.1% higher than in London. Buying property in the city will be 32.6% cheaper than in the UK.
Below is a comparison of rental and buying prices in Boston compared to London.
Property Prices & Rent in Boston vs. London
Item |
Boston |
UK (London) |
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in city centre |
$3,160.17 (£2,452.08)
|
£2,170.83 |
Monthly rent for 1-bedroom apartment outside of centre |
$2,352.20 (£1,825.15)
|
£1,630.26
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment in city centre |
$11,646.30 (£9,036.75)
|
£13,403.96
|
Price per m2 to buy apartment outside of city centre |
$6,768.71 (£5,252.06)
|
£7,956.99
|
Data taken from Numbeo.
Education in Boston
The education system in Boston starts with kindergarten and goes up until 12th grade. The system is split into 3 sections, known as elementary, middle and high school. Community colleges or universities are popular higher education forms after high school. Boston boasts world-renowned universities such as Harvard and MIT, making it a popular place to study higher education.
Job Market in Boston
The Education and Healthcare sectors are the industries that witnessed the biggest growth in the past year. The Boston-Cambridge-Newton area in particular saw extreme growth in job roles being created too. As Boston is a hub for technology, it’s not a surprise that the Professional, Scientific and Business Services sectors form a big part of the Boston job market.