What Is a Good Salary for a Single Person in Massachusetts?

Understanding what constitutes a “good salary” for a single person in Massachusetts involves navigating a complex landscape of expenses and personal financial objectives. The concept of a comfortable income extends beyond merely covering basic needs, encompassing the ability to save, manage debt, and enjoy a reasonable quality of life. This exploration aims to provide a clear perspective on the financial considerations for individuals living in the Commonwealth.

Defining a Comfortable Salary

A comfortable salary allows for financial stability and the pursuit of personal goals, extending beyond mere subsistence. It means having enough income to cover necessary expenditures, build savings, and engage in discretionary spending without financial strain. This enables individuals to live securely and plan for their future.

While a living wage covers basic necessities like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, a comfortable salary typically exceeds this threshold. It offers a buffer for unexpected costs and opportunities for enrichment. A “good” salary is highly individualized, reflecting personal financial aspirations and desired lifestyle. It involves balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives such as retirement planning, debt reduction, or educational pursuits.

Major Cost of Living Categories in Massachusetts

The cost of living in Massachusetts significantly impacts what constitutes a good salary, with various categories demanding substantial portions of an individual’s income. Understanding these expenses is fundamental to financial planning in the state. Many costs in Massachusetts are higher than national averages, with housing, utilities, food, and transportation all exceeding typical U.S. rates.

Housing represents the largest expense for most single individuals in Massachusetts. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment across the state is approximately $3,150 per month as of 2025. Studio apartments average around $2,397 monthly, while two-bedroom units can reach approximately $2,965 per month.

Transportation costs also add considerably to monthly expenditures. A single adult in Massachusetts incurs approximately $9,708 annually for transportation, averaging about $809 per month. For those relying on public transportation, a monthly pass for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) system is around $90.00.

Food expenses are another notable category, with groceries and dining costs being above national averages. The monthly grocery cost per person in Massachusetts can range from approximately $412.42 to $674.

Healthcare costs are a relevant consideration. Massachusetts’s average employer-sponsored health insurance premiums are about $140.33 monthly. For individuals seeking plans on the marketplace, a Bronze plan for a 30-year-old averages around $468 per month, with prices varying based on age and specific county.

Taxes also reduce take-home pay, impacting the net salary available for expenses. Massachusetts has a flat income tax rate of 5% on annual gross income exceeding $8,000 for the 2024 and 2025 tax years. An additional 4% surtax applies to annual income over $1 million. The state sales tax rate is 6.25%.

Utility and communication costs are also part of the monthly budget. Average monthly electricity bills for residential customers in Massachusetts are approximately $312. Internet services typically cost around $43.00 monthly, and a single person’s cell phone bill averages about $144 per month.

Crafting Your Personal Budget

Developing a personal budget is an active process that translates general cost information into a specific financial plan. Budgeting frameworks, such as the 50/30/20 rule, can provide a helpful starting point. This approach suggests allocating 50% of after-tax income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.

Tracking expenses meticulously is an important step in understanding where money is being spent. Utilizing spreadsheets or budgeting applications can provide a clear picture of cash flow, highlighting areas where adjustments might be beneficial. This helps ensure that spending aligns with financial goals and priorities.

Distinguishing between needs and wants is fundamental to effective budgeting. Needs encompass essential living expenses like housing, food, and healthcare, while wants include discretionary items such as entertainment, dining out, or travel. Prioritizing needs ensures that basic living costs are covered before allocating funds to non-essential desires.

Integrating savings and debt management into the budget is important for long-term financial health. Even with a comfortable salary, establishing an emergency fund, contributing to retirement accounts, and systematically paying down debt are important steps.

Budgeting is not a static exercise but an ongoing process that requires periodic review and adjustment. Changes in income, living situation, or financial goals necessitate revisiting and modifying the budget to ensure its continued relevance. Regularly assessing the budget helps individuals maintain financial control and adapt to evolving circumstances.

Variations by Location and Lifestyle

The definition of a good salary in Massachusetts is not uniform across the entire state, as geographic location significantly influences living costs. Greater Boston, including cities like Cambridge and Somerville, generally experiences much higher housing and transportation expenses compared to more suburban, rural, or western Massachusetts areas. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is approximately $3,524 per month, while the statewide average is around $2,560.

Personal lifestyle choices also play a substantial role in determining the income required for a comfortable life. Habits such as frequent dining out versus cooking at home, the extent of entertainment and leisure activities, and the reliance on personal vehicles versus public transportation can drastically alter monthly spending. An individual’s preference for a larger living space or shared accommodations also directly impacts housing costs.

Salary potential varies considerably by industry, specific role, and years of professional experience within Massachusetts. A “good” salary for an entry-level position in one field may differ significantly from that in another, or from the income expected by someone with extensive experience. These career-related factors directly influence an individual’s earning capacity.