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Cost of Living in Brookline

Is it better to rent or buy in Brookline? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$154,472
$2,900/mo

Median in area: $2,900

$1,393,500

Median in area: $1,393,500

$278,700

If you Rent

$3,126 /mo
Base Rent$2,900
Est. Utilities$226
% of Income24.3%
Pre-tax Residual$9,747

If you Buy

$8,477 /mo
P&I (6.788%)$7,259
Taxes & Ins$992
Est. Utilities$226
% of Income65.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,396

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Brookline?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Brookline. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $3,126, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $8,477 per month (a difference of $5,351).

How much do utilities cost in Brookline?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Brookline is approximately $226. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Brookline?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Brookline without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $125,040 per year.