Is Allston/Brighton Expensive?

Boston, United States

-15% vs Boston avg

Living in Allston/Brighton, Boston

Allston/Brighton is a relatively affordable area in Boston, with a cost of living index of 70.0 — that is -15% compared to the Boston average. At #16 of 24, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $2,380/month, compared to a range of $2,016 in Roxbury to $3,640 in Back Bay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Allston/Brighton, housing takes up roughly 38% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $95,200 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Allston/Brighton

Salaries in Allston/Brighton reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 70.0:

After tax and deductions of 29.2% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $95,200 would be roughly $67,402/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

70.0
COLI Index
0.85x
vs City Avg
$2,380
Est. 1BR Rent
#16
of 24 Areas
29.2%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Allston/Brighton

Estimated annual deductions on a $52,500 salary in Allston/Brighton, Boston (local employee).

Income Tax
13%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (MA)
9.0%
Total Deductions: 29.2%
Est. Take-Home: $37,156/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Allston/Brighton would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $52,500
London GBP £45,181
Dubai AED AED 262,699

Other Neighborhoods in Boston

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Back Bay 107.1 1.30x +30%
Beacon Hill 105.5 1.28x +28%
Seaport 103.0 1.25x +25%
Cambridge (Kendall Sq) 98.9 1.20x +20%
South End 97.2 1.18x +18%

View all 24 neighborhoods in Boston →

Convert Your Salary

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Allston/Brighton:

Walthamstow, London University District, Seattle Jurong East, Singapore Pasadena, Los Angeles Brookland, Washington DC Silver Spring (MD), Washington DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allston/Brighton expensive in Boston?

Allston/Brighton is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Boston. It costs about -15% less than the city average, ranking #16 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does Allston/Brighton compare to the Boston average?

The cost of living in Allston/Brighton is below the Boston average. With a multiplier of 0.85x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -15% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.