Cost of Living in Somerville, MA - Updated Prices & Insights

98.44

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,398 (excluding rent), and $4,320 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,364 (excluding rent), and $8,030 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$24.92 $24.92

$14.95 $14.95

$49.84 $49.84

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 $101

$70.7 $70.7

$182 $182

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.35 $13.35

$9.78 $9.78

$14.83 $14.83

Cappuccino

$5.21 $5.21

$3.6 $3.6

$6.17 $6.17

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.77 $2.77

$2.01 $2.01

$3.53 $3.53

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.95 $1.95

$3.89 $3.89

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.3 $7.3

$3.89 $3.89

$7.79 $7.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$9.22 $9.22

$6.15 $6.15

$12.3 $12.3

Milk (1 liter)

$1.33 $1.33

$0.54 $0.54

$1.9 $1.9

White Bread (500g)

$4.23 $4.23

$2.81 $2.81

$6.11 $6.11

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.05 $3.05

$1.98 $1.98

$11.88 $11.88

Eggs

$4.87 $4.87

$2.06 $2.06

$7.72 $7.72

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.92 $16.92

$4.01 $4.01

$33.13 $33.13

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.3 $13.3

$4.41 $4.41

$17.73 $17.73

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$20.37 $20.37

$15.27 $15.27

$28.4 $28.4

Apples (1kg)

$5.72 $5.72

$2.15 $2.15

$7.88 $7.88

Banana (1kg)

$2.15 $2.15

$0.84 $0.84

$3.23 $3.23

Oranges (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$2.68 $2.68

$17.11 $17.11

Tomato (1kg)

$6.55 $6.55

$2.17 $2.17

$8.77 $8.77

Potato (1kg)

$4.46 $4.46

$1.96 $1.96

$6.69 $6.69

Onion (1kg)

$2.12 $2.12

$2.03 $2.03

$6.43 $6.43

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.82 $2.82

$1.5 $1.5

$4.02 $4.02

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.46 $1.46

$3.9 $3.9

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.41 $13.41

$10.31 $10.31

$13.75 $13.75

Wine (Bottle)

$12.49 $12.49

$9.83 $9.83

$17.7 $17.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.68 $1.68

$4.17 $4.17

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.46 $1.46

$8.74 $8.74

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.37 $2.37

$2.26 $2.26

$2.47 $2.47

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$89.2 $89.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.56 $2.56

$3.94 $3.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.77 $1.77

$3.78 $3.78

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$27.75 $27.75

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.9 $0.9

$0.77 $0.77

$0.94 $0.94

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.7K $29.7K

$23.1K $23.1K

$35.5K $35.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.7K $25.7K

$23.8K $23.8K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$198 $198

$131 $131

$349 $349

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$71.5 $71.5

$29.51 $29.51

$98.4 $98.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$77.5 $77.5

$49.59 $49.59

$99.2 $99.2

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$102 $102

$11.82 $11.82

$197 $197

Cinema Ticket

$15.6 $15.6

$12.08 $12.08

$16.1 $16.1

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,687 $1,687

$844 $844

$3,543 $3,543

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$27.5K $27.5K

$9,986 $9,986

$39.9K $39.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$56.8 $56.8

$39.51 $39.51

$69.1 $69.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.27 $39.27

$24.55 $24.55

$39.27 $39.27

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 $102

$44.91 $44.91

$120 $120

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$148 $148

$45.11 $45.11

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,826 $2,826

$2,613 $2,613

$3,155 $3,155

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,714 $2,714

$2,638 $2,638

$2,790 $2,790

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,484 $4,484

$3,857 $3,857

$5,440 $5,440

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,426 $4,426

$3,864 $3,864

$5,450 $5,450

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,472 $7,472

$5,337 $5,337

$9,606 $9,606

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,639 $5,639

$4,833 $4,833

$6,444 $6,444

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,937 $5,937

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.47

4.5

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Somerville, MA - Frequently Asked Questions

Somerville offers a mix of urban conveniences and neighborhood charm that appeals to travelers and long stays, but affordability varies by area and lifestyle. You'll find trendy cafes and well-connected transit, yet rents and long-term options tend to trend higher than suburban averages, especially near Union Square and Davis Square. The Cost of Living in Somerville, MA guide gives a qualitative sense of how housing, utilities, groceries, and services compare to nearby Boston neighborhoods. Your value comes from shorter commutes, flexible leases, and access to coworking spaces. Tip: Map several neighborhoods to balance vibe, access, and price.

Housing search in Somerville centers on walkable blocks, shared apartments, and short-term sublets; you’ll notice demand for well-located units near transit and vibrant streets. Daily options include diverse groceries, food halls, and affordable casual dining. Transport is strong via MBTA buses and trains, with bike lanes providing a healthy alternative. For budgeting, look at the Somerville, MA living cost as a reference point when comparing Davis Square, Union Square, or nearby Boston spots. Quick wins: shop midweek, use coworking spaces on slower days, and plan errands by rail routes to save time and money. Tip: Keep a loose weekly expense plan and track it.

Quality of life in Somerville hinges on neighborhood fit and daily routines. A practical budgeting framework is to separate fixed costs (rent, utilities, transit passes) from flexible ones (eating out, streaming, leisure). Choose a neighborhood that matches your pace – East Somerville for longer walks and more affordable options, or Union Square for nightlife and culture – with seasonal adjustments (heating in winter, cooling in summer). Save by leveraging public libraries, free events, and occasional long-term coworking passes. Seasonal pricing for groceries and entertainment can shift your plan; stay flexible and reassess every quarter. Tip: set a monthly cap for nonessential spending and reallocate it when you travel.