25 Pros and Cons of Living in Boston in 2024

Have you wondered about the pros and cons of living in Boston?

You are not alone! Many people consider moving to Boston due to its good education, rich history, and plentiful job market. 

My sister even went to Boston for her Masters which helped me get to know way more about the city.

But life in Boston also has its downsides. 

Most notably, there are some harsh winters in Massachusetts, and the cost of living is much higher than in other areas of the U.S. 

Living in Boston is very different than when I lived in California, but it still has some commonalities since they’re both in the US. My sister filled me in on a lot of the pros/cons for students, and I used my experience living in 12 different countries to help you figure out which disadvantages are deal breakers.

1. Pro: A Hub of Education

Boston is known for its education. The city is home to the world’s top colleges and universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Boston University.

My sister went to Boston U for her Master’s in Architecture.

Aside from the higher institutions, Boston also has over 125 public schools serving over 50,000 students.

The Boston Public Schools district is the oldest in the United States and has made significant strides to promote equity and inclusion in recent years. 

Massachusetts is actually known as the 5th best education system in the country! So anyone moving with kids should definitely consider Boston to give them their best shot.

2. Con: High Cost of Living

The cost of living in Boston is higher than most other cities in the United States. The biggest expense is housing, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment being $46,704 USD per year.

But it’s more than just housing. Other essentials like transportation, groceries, and healthcare are also pricier than most of the USA.  

Before you decide to move to Boston, it’s wise to assess your financial situation, broker a good deal with your real estate agent, and make sure you can afford living in Boston. 

3. Pro: Rich History

Boston has a rich history and cultural heritage dating back to its founding in 1630. 

One of the coolest historical buildings in Boston is the Old State House. It was built in 1713 and was the Massachusetts General Court seat until 1798. It’s also one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. 

You can find this historical building right at the heart of downtown Boston, along with many other historical landmarks. 

4. Con: Terrible Winters

Boston has very long, cold winters, typically lasting from early December to late March. 

Temperatures range from highs around 2-5°C (36-41°F) and lows of  -9º to -6°C (15-21°F). Old or poorly insulated buildings often struggle to keep out the cold, and pipes can freeze and burst during extreme weather conditions. 

Growing up in Canada, that was our normal, too. Boston does get windier than Toronto though, so it’s supposed to feel much colder.

However, if you’re used to living in a place with cold winters, you won’t find this a problem.

5. Pro: Beautiful Summers

Once winter is over, you can expect pleasant summers in Boston with warm temperatures of 22-28°C (72-82°F). Summer in Boston is a wonderful time to be in the city. There’s a reason tourists flock to the city in the summer!

Whether you’re into live music, food stalls, or strolling through metro parks, there’s always something going on in Boston. 

Some of the most popular events include the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and the Boston Seafood Festival.

6. Con: High Taxes

If you plan to move to Boston, prepare to pay your fair share of taxes. 

In addition to federal income tax, property tax, sales tax, and excise tax, Massachusetts has a state income tax of 5% to 12%, depending on your income. 

Boston’s average state tax rate is 6.25%, meaning the city ranks 34th overall on the 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index.

Americans often complain about high taxes, but coming from Canada it all feels very low. We often pay 50% of our income in all of our combined taxes. But compared to many US states with limited taxes, this is on the high side.

7. Pro: Low Crime Rate

Boston’s crime rate has always been decent compared to many other cities in the United States, and it has continued to decline over the past few decades. 

In 2022, Boston saw another 1.5% decrease in crime, which is great news for the city’s residents and visitors.

If you’re planning to visit or move to Boston, there are a few things basic things you can do to stay safe: 

• Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Park your car in well-lit areas. 
• Avoid walking alone late at night. 

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8. Con: Noise Pollution

Boston is a bustling city with high traffic congestion and things going on in the evening, which means noise pollution can be an issue. 

Excessive noise reduces the quality of life for those living in downtown Boston. 

The city is making substantial efforts to reduce noise pollution around residential areas by installing noise barriers by the highway, soundproof windows in homes, and investing in quieter public transportation. 

9. Pro: Good Public Transportation

If you’re looking for a city with great public transportation, you’ll find Boston sets a high standard! 

It’s one of the few U.S. cities that don’t require a car, saving residents a ton of money on owning and maintaining a vehicle. 

The subway system in Boston, known as “the T,” is well known for its efficiency and ease of use.

10. Con: Popular Spot for Tourists

Boston is a place that attracts a lot of visitors, especially in the summertime.

It’s a beautiful city with lots to offer, from historic sites like the Freedom Trail to gorgeous parks like the Boston Common. It’s also one of the most well-connected international airports in the world, making it an easy flight for international tourists. 

While this contributes to the lively feel of Boston, the crowds can become a hassle, especially on weekends and during special events. 

11. Pro: Great Job Market

Boston’s job market is fantastic, especially in healthcare, education, technology, and finance.

But it’s not limited to the big players. There’s also a diverse economy of smaller businesses thriving and looking for talent in the city. 

You’ll also find competitive salaries, with an average hourly wage in Boston to be $36.95 (32% above the nationwide average). 

12. Con: Fierce Competition For Jobs

While Boston has great job opportunities for healthcare, finance, and technology professionals, it’s also a highly competitive city. 

Boston has some of the most prestigious universities in the world, so for those who don’t have a built-up resume, breaking into your desired field can be challenging.

If you’re considering moving to Boston, you should do your best to secure a job before taking the leap. 

13. Pro: Great Nightlife

One of the things that makes Boston’s nightlife scene so exciting is the wide range of bars and clubs downtown. Most venues even regularly host live performances from talented musicians. 

Also, the Theater District is a great place to explore if you’re into Broadway shows, comedy clubs, or other live performances. 

Up for a short trip across the river?

Harvard Square is another popular destination for young professionals. It’s close to the University and the city of Cambridge, which has even more options for bars, restaurants, and music venues!

14. Con: Small Apartments and Homes 

We already discussed how expensive housing can be in Boston. This high cost of living means most people have to make do with a studio or one-bedroom apartment. 

These apartments are compact and built more for efficiency than comfort. It’s very difficult to afford a home with much square footage. 

Despite living in a densely populated city with small apartments, many Boston residents have found ways to make the most of their small living space.

One popular way to adjust is to embrace minimalism.

15. Pro: Lots of Sports

Fenway Park, built back in 1912, is the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox and a must-visit destination for any sports fan. 

But the Red Sox aren’t the only pro sports team in town. Boston is also home to the Celtics (basketball), the Patriots (football), and the Bruins (hockey). 

These are all historically successful franchises, so no matter what your favorite sport is, you’re sure to find something to get excited about in Boston. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, there’s just something about live sports that brings the community together.

If you’re me, this is a con as you’ll almost certainly have to attend games with friends. I hate sports games live.

16. Con: Heavy Traffic

Boston’s traffic can be a real headache, and it’s no secret that the city ranks high on the list of the worst traffic in the world. 

In fact, Boston has the 2nd worst traffic in the country and the 4th worst in the entire world. (Admittedly, it seems like every big city makes this claim. New York reports something similar and so does LA.)

Its popularity as a destination for both tourists and business travelers means there are a lot of people and vehicles coming in and out of the city at all times. 

Luckily, most jobs in the city offer flexible hours, and public transportation is very reliable throughout the city! 

17. Pro: Awesome Food Scene

Boston’s food scene is something to savor, with a range of delicious local dishes. 

Its claim to fame is definitely seafood. The clam chowder and lobster rolls are a must-try for any seafood lover. Another famous non-seafood dish is Boston Baked Beans, which earned Boston the nickname “the bean city.” 

Halifax and Boston are often said to have the best seafood in North America. My dad loved that I went to one and my sister went to the other for uni so he could get the best lobster with me and the best crab with her.

He basically sent us to uni so he could go on a food tour.

18. Pro: Boating and Fishing Opportunities

Boston sits on the coast of Massachusetts Bay, which provides easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and a variety of fishing grounds, including:

• Boston Harbor
• Charles River
• Cape Cod Bay

These areas have abundant fish populations, including striped bass, bluefish, cod, haddock, and flounder.

You’ll also find the city of Boston home to several marinas, yacht clubs, and fishing charters catering to both locals and tourists.

19. Pro: Abundant Outdoor Activities

Boston is a beautiful city to explore, with many beaches, architectural marvels, and hiking trails to offer its residents. You don’t have to go far from the city either. 

Middlesex Fells Reservation, Blue Hills Reservation, and Wompatuck State Park are great places with lots of greenery, scenic views, and hiking trails! 

Additionally, the city has invested heavily into becoming bike-friendly, so there are many trails and bike lanes all over Boston! 

20. Pro: Excellent Healthcare

Boston hospitals consistently rank first in the USA for quality of care due to the high level of training and expertise of healthcare professionals in the area. 

The city is home to many well-known research institutions centered around their universities,  which makes it a hub of medical innovation and progress. 

Most jobs have great health benefits, too, so you can take advantage of Boston’s healthcare system! You can find excellent care in Boston for everything from routine check-ups to dental work, holistic care, and specialized treatments. 

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21. Pro: Walkability

Another reason to love Boston is its walkability. The city’s compact size, historic architecture, and pedestrian-friendly streets make it an ideal place for exploring on foot. 

It’s not just downtown Boston, either. Most neighborhoods in the city have pedestrian-friendly designs and are worth exploring. Every neighborhood has a unique character and charm, with many offering picturesque streets, quaint shops, and restaurants.

22. Pro: Thriving Art Scene

From classic paintings and sculptures to cutting-edge contemporary installations and performance art, there’s something for everyone in Boston’s art world. 

It’s a melting pot of creativity and expression, with artists from around the world coming to showcase their work in this amazing city.

The best part is that many museums and galleries offer free admission or discounted tickets for locals, making it easy for anyone to explore and appreciate the art here. 

23. Pro: Many Historical Landmarks

In the 1700s, Boston was a hotbed of political and social unrest and played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War.

The city was the site of many important events, including the Boston Tea Party and The Battle of Bunker Hill. Today, the city celebrates its patriotic past with numerous historical sites and landmarks, such as the Freedom Trail. 

Boston’s rich history and strong sense of community make it a city deeply tied to the nation’s patriotic spirit.

24. Pro: Proximity to Other Cities

One of the great things about its location is that it’s relatively easy to get to other major cities and popular areas in the Northeast. 

You can drive to Providence, Springfield, Hartford, Albany, Burlington, and NYC in under 4 hours. Plus, you can easily visit beautiful areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York. 

And if you don’t feel like driving, the Boston Logan International Airport offers flights to many other major U.S. and European cities.

25. Con: Limited Parking

One of my biggest pet peeves about cities is the inability to find parking.

A lot of people commute to work in Boston and need somewhere to leave their cars, but there’s very little room for them. And what you can find is expensive.

You will always want to leave extra time to find parking downtown.

FAQs

Is Boston a good place to live?

Boston is a great place to live in. The city is full of history and culture. You’ll have access to many museums, galleries, and theaters. The beach and mountains are also a short drive from the city! 

What are the worst things about living in Boston?

The worst things about living in Boston are the high cost of living, congested traffic, and harsh winters.

Is Boston a good place to live for young professionals? 

Boston is a great place to live for young professionals. The city has a strong job market, a vibrant culture, and networking opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

Is it cheaper to live in Boston or New York City?

Boston is considered cheaper than New York City, but both cities are known for being expensive. The actual cost of living in Boston vs. New York City depends on your chosen neighborhood and lifestyle. 

Is Boston a Big City?

Boston is a relatively big city. There are roughly 650,000 residents, making it the 25th largest city in the United States. 

Is Boston a Nice Place to Live?

Yes, Boston is a nice place to live due to its historical significance, efficient public transportation, and diverse culture. It’s also home to a thriving food scene and tons of ways to enjoy the outdoors. 

Final Thoughts

If you are considering a change of scenery, then Boston can be a great place to move. This is true for young professionals, families with small children, and even retirees! 

It’s a lively city with seemingly endless things to do. The job market is thriving, healthcare is top-notch, and it has some of the best summer weather and autumn colors anywhere in the world!

But becoming a resident in Boston also means you have to bear harsh winters, heavy traffic, and a relatively high cost of living. 

I hope learning more about the pros and cons of living in the Boston area has helped you feel more confident in your decision! 

Not Sold? There are more places worth living in the Northeast. 

Check out the pros and cons of living in NYC or the pros and cons of living in New Hampshire!