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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,367 (excluding rent), and $4,321 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,928 (excluding rent), and $7,949 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$24.78 $24.78

$14.87 $14.87

$49.55 $49.55

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.4 $99.4

$69.6 $69.6

$179 $179

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.74 $13.74

$10.06 $10.06

$15.26 $15.26

Cappuccino

$5.13 $5.13

$3.54 $3.54

$6.08 $6.08

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

$2.78 $2.78

$2.02 $2.02

$3.54 $3.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.13 $2.13

$2.01 $2.01

$4.03 $4.03

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.64 $7.64

$4.07 $4.07

$8.15 $8.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.99 $8.99

$5.99 $5.99

$11.98 $11.98

Milk (1 liter)

$1.31 $1.31

$0.54 $0.54

$1.88 $1.88

White Bread (500g)

$4.25 $4.25

$2.82 $2.82

$6.14 $6.14

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.99 $2.99

$1.94 $1.94

$11.66 $11.66

Eggs

$4.71 $4.71

$1.99 $1.99

$7.47 $7.47

Local Cheese (1kg)

$16.70 $16.70

$3.95 $3.95

$32.69 $32.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.33 $13.33

$4.42 $4.42

$17.77 $17.77

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$20.32 $20.32

$15.23 $15.23

$28.32 $28.32

Apples (1kg)

$5.78 $5.78

$2.17 $2.17

$7.97 $7.97

Banana (1kg)

$2.18 $2.18

$0.85 $0.85

$3.28 $3.28

Oranges (1kg)

$5.87 $5.87

$2.79 $2.79

$17.83 $17.83

Tomato (1kg)

$6.46 $6.46

$2.14 $2.14

$8.65 $8.65

Potato (1kg)

$4.45 $4.45

$1.96 $1.96

$6.67 $6.67

Onion (1kg)

$2.12 $2.12

$2.03 $2.03

$6.42 $6.42

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.84 $2.84

$1.51 $1.51

$4.05 $4.05

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

$1.52 $1.52

$4.07 $4.07

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$13.53 $13.53

$10.40 $10.40

$13.86 $13.86

Wine (Bottle)

$14.72 $14.72

$10.80 $10.80

$19.63 $19.63

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.70 $1.70

$4.20 $4.20

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.47 $1.47

$8.80 $8.80

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.36 $2.36

$2.26 $2.26

$2.47 $2.47

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$90.7 $90.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.67 $2.67

$4.11 $4.11

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.77 $1.77

$3.80 $3.80

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.16 $28.16

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.87 $0.87

$0.75 $0.75

$0.91 $0.91

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)

$25.8K $25.8K

$23.8K $23.8K

$26.2K $26.2K

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

$191 $191

$127 $127

$337 $337

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

$73.8 $73.8

$30.47 $30.47

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$79.4 $79.4

$50.8 $50.8

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$105 $105

$12.11 $12.11

$202 $202

Cinema Ticket

$15.67 $15.67

$12.14 $12.14

$16.18 $16.18

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

$1,655 $1,655

$827 $827

$3,475 $3,475

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$27.5K $27.5K

$9,995 $9,995

$40.0K $40.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$58.6 $58.6

$40.78 $40.78

$71.4 $71.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.23 $39.23

$24.52 $24.52

$39.23 $39.23

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$44.49 $44.49

$119 $119

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$151 $151

$45.90 $45.90

$204 $204

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,890 $2,890

$2,671 $2,671

$3,226 $3,226

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,632 $2,632

$2,558 $2,558

$2,706 $2,706

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,533 $4,533

$3,900 $3,900

$5,499 $5,499

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,544 $4,544

$3,967 $3,967

$5,595 $5,595

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,520 $7,520

$5,371 $5,371

$9,668 $9,668

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,554 $5,554

$4,760 $4,760

$6,347 $6,347

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,486 $5,486

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: April 14, 2026

Somerville, MA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

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.