Boston, MA home prices
Typical home $725,639 · +2.1% in a year · income needed $209,600
The Boston, MA metro area ranks 27 of 894 U.S. metros for home values (U.S. typical home: $366,157). Prices changed +2.1% in a year and +23.8% over five years. With 20% down at 7.11%, the typical home costs about $4,891 a month including 1.03% property tax (Middlesex County rate).
Mortgage on the typical Boston home
| Down payment | Cash down | Loan | Principal + interest | PMI / MIP | Tax + insurance | Total / month | Income needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% down | $145,128 | $580,511 | $3,905 | $0 | $986 | $4,891 | $209,600 |
| 10% down | $72,564 | $653,075 | $4,393 | $272 | $986 | $5,651 | $242,200 |
| 5% down | $36,282 | $689,357 | $4,637 | $287 | $986 | $5,911 | $253,300 |
| 3.5% down (FHA) | $25,397 | $712,496 | $4,793 | $321 | $986 | $6,100 | $261,400 |
Assumes a 30-year fixed loan at 7.11%, property tax of 1.03% of the home value a year, homeowners insurance of 0.6% a year, PMI of 0.5% of the loan a year when the down payment is under 20%, and FHA mortgage insurance of 0.55% a year plus a 1.75% upfront premium added to the loan. Your rate, taxes and insurance will differ.
Counties in the Boston area
| County | Typical home | 1-yr change | Tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County, MA | $804,837 | +1.5% | 1.03% |
| Essex County, MA | $715,954 | +2.1% | 1.04% |
| Suffolk County, MA | $738,589 | +0.2% | 0.66% |
| Norfolk County, MA | $764,424 | +2.5% | 1.06% |
| Plymouth County, MA | $646,858 | +4.0% | 1.17% |
| Rockingham County, NH | $624,657 | +3.2% | 1.58% |
| Strafford County, NH | $506,299 | +3.0% | 1.85% |
What can you afford in Massachusetts on your salary? · Massachusetts home prices · Salaries in Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
How much is a house in Boston?
The typical home in the Boston, MA metro area is worth $725,639 (Zillow, September 2026).
What salary do you need to buy a house in Boston?
About $209,600 a year for the typical home with 20% down at 7.11%.