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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,311 (excluding rent), and $4,269 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,441 (excluding rent), and $8,117 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.19 $25.19

$15.11 $15.11

$50.4 $50.4

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.8 $99.8

$69.9 $69.9

$180 $180

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.33 $13.33

$9.76 $9.76

$14.81 $14.81

Cappuccino

$5.19 $5.19

$3.58 $3.58

$6.14 $6.14

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

$2.69 $2.69

$1.96 $1.96

$3.43 $3.43

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.14 $2.14

$2.02 $2.02

$4.03 $4.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.68 $7.68

$4.1 $4.1

$8.19 $8.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.94 $8.94

$5.96 $5.96

$11.92 $11.92

Milk (1 liter)

$1.32 $1.32

$0.54 $0.54

$1.89 $1.89

White Bread (500g)

$4.24 $4.24

$2.81 $2.81

$6.12 $6.12

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.01 $3.01

$1.95 $1.95

$11.71 $11.71

Eggs

$4.81 $4.81

$2.03 $2.03

$7.62 $7.62

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.21 $17.21

$4.07 $4.07

$33.69 $33.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.08 $13.08

$4.34 $4.34

$17.44 $17.44

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$20.43 $20.43

$15.31 $15.31

$28.48 $28.48

Apples (1kg)

$5.84 $5.84

$2.19 $2.19

$8.05 $8.05

Banana (1kg)

$2.14 $2.14

$0.84 $0.84

$3.22 $3.22

Oranges (1kg)

$5.68 $5.68

$2.7 $2.7

$17.25 $17.25

Tomato (1kg)

$6.49 $6.49

$2.15 $2.15

$8.68 $8.68

Potato (1kg)

$4.53 $4.53

$1.99 $1.99

$6.79 $6.79

Onion (1kg)

$2.24 $2.24

$2.15 $2.15

$6.79 $6.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.72 $2.72

$1.45 $1.45

$3.88 $3.88

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.46 $1.46

$3.9 $3.9

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.54 $13.54

$10.41 $10.41

$13.88 $13.88

Wine (Bottle)

$13.31 $13.31

$9.97 $9.97

$17.94 $17.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.72 $1.72

$4.27 $4.27

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.51 $1.51

$9.08 $9.08

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.32 $2.32

$2.22 $2.22

$2.43 $2.43

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$89 $89

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.56 $2.56

$3.94 $3.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.7 $1.7

$3.65 $3.65

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.52 $28.52

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.82 $0.82

$0.99 $0.99

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

$30.4K $30.4K

$23.6K $23.6K

$36.3K $36.3K

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

$26.4K $26.4K

$24.4K $24.4K

$26.8K $26.8K

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

$194 $194

$129 $129

$342 $342

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

$72.9 $72.9

$30.1 $30.1

$100 $100

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$78.6 $78.6

$50.3 $50.3

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$103 $103

$11.84 $11.84

$197 $197

Cinema Ticket

$15.28 $15.28

$11.83 $11.83

$15.77 $15.77

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

$1,643 $1,643

$821 $821

$3,450 $3,450

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$27.3K $27.3K

$9,919 $9,919

$39.7K $39.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.5 $58.5

$40.66 $40.66

$71.2 $71.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$40.68 $40.68

$25.43 $25.43

$40.68 $40.68

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$104 $104

$45.75 $45.75

$122 $122

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$148 $148

$45.09 $45.09

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,913 $2,913

$2,693 $2,693

$3,251 $3,251

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,718 $2,718

$2,642 $2,642

$2,794 $2,794

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,470 $4,470

$3,846 $3,846

$5,423 $5,423

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,529 $4,529

$3,954 $3,954

$5,576 $5,576

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,610 $7,610

$5,436 $5,436

$9,784 $9,784

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,577 $5,577

$4,781 $4,781

$6,374 $6,374

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,935 $5,935

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.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.