| Index | Burlington | Massachusetts | National |
| Cost of living | 165 | 131 | 100 |
| Groceries | 108 | 109 | 100 |
| Health care | 116 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 287 | 169 | 100 |
| Transportation | 112 | 115 | 100 |
| Utilities | 115 | 117 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 116 | 115 | 100 |
| Household Items | 107 | 109 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 122 | 127 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Burlington can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Burlington cost of living index is 165, which is 65% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Burlington may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Burlington falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Burlington cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 187.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Wondering if Burlington is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Burlington, for example, the median home price is 220.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 109.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Burlington boasting a median household income of $183,743, which is 125.9% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Burlington, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 5%.
Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Burlington, the groceries index registers 8% higher than the national average.
The Burlington cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
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| Utilities index | |
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $199,283 | $16,607 | $4,650 | $5,979 |
| Renters | $117,183 | $9,765 | $2,734 | $3,516 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Massachusetts | 5% | 9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lawrence, MA | 82,025 | 125 | 25.4% |
| Lowell, MA | 114,170 | 126 | 25.9% |
| Maynard, MA | 11,308 | 133 | 32.8% |
| Lynn, MA | 97,235 | 134 | 34.4% |
| Chelsea, MA | 41,000 | 135 | 35.2% |
| Burlington, MA | 28,820 | 165 | 65.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Winchester, VA | 28,825 | 111 | 11.3% |
| Enterprise, AL | 28,827 | 95 | 5.4% |
| Glen Ellyn, IL | 28,828 | 136 | 35.5% |
| Newburgh, NY | 28,811 | 106 | 5.5% |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | 28,832 | 133 | 33.1% |
| Burlington, MA | 28,820 | 165 | 65.4% |
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