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Cost of Living in Suffolk County

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

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$99,031
$2,079/mo

Median in area: $2,079

$741,452

Median in area: $741,452

$148,290

If you Rent

🔑
$2,286 /mo
Base Rent$2,079
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income27.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,967

If you Buy

🏠
$4,634 /mo
P&I (6.805%)$3,869
Taxes & Ins$558
Est. Utilities$207
% of Income56.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,619

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Suffolk County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyPlymouth County, MA
$1,815/mo
countyMiddlesex County, MA
$2,194/mo
countyEssex County, MA
$1,841/mo
countyNorfolk County, MA
$2,150/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Suffolk County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Suffolk County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,286, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $4,634 per month (a difference of $2,348).

How much do utilities cost in Suffolk County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Suffolk County is approximately $207. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Suffolk County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Suffolk County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $91,440 per year.