Is South Boston (Southie) Expensive?

Boston, United States

+8% vs Boston avg

Living in South Boston (Southie), Boston

South Boston (Southie) is a moderately-priced area within Boston, with a cost of living index of 89.0 — that is +8% compared to the Boston average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #11 out of 24 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $3,024/month, compared to a range of $2,016 in Roxbury to $3,640 in Back Bay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of South Boston (Southie), housing takes up roughly 49% 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 $120,960 before tax.

Typical Salaries in South Boston (Southie)

Salaries in South Boston (Southie) reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 89.0:

After tax and deductions of 31.2% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $120,960 would be roughly $83,220/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

89.0
COLI Index
1.08x
vs City Avg
$3,024
Est. 1BR Rent
#11
of 24 Areas
31.2%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in South Boston (Southie)

Estimated annual deductions on a $66,750 salary in South Boston (Southie), Boston (local employee).

Income Tax
15%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (MA)
9.0%
Total Deductions: 31.2%
Est. Take-Home: $45,898/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in South Boston (Southie) would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $66,750
London GBP £57,444
Dubai AED AED 334,003

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

See exactly what you need to earn in South Boston (Southie), Boston to maintain your lifestyle.

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to South Boston (Southie):

Capitol Hill, Seattle Meguro, Tokyo Point Loma, San Diego Carmel Valley, San Diego Java-eiland, Amsterdam Wimbledon, London

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Boston (Southie) expensive in Boston?

South Boston (Southie) is near the city average for Boston. Costs are about +8% vs the average, making it a mid-range neighborhood.

How does South Boston (Southie) compare to the Boston average?

The cost of living in South Boston (Southie) is above the Boston average. With a multiplier of 1.08x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +8% 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.