See your real net paycheck in Boston for 2026. Break down federal tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, then view weekly, biweekly, and monthly take-home pay.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Boston median household income: $89,000 · Avg 1BR rent: $2,900/mo
Massachusetts levies a state income tax (5% to 9%) that comes out of every Boston paycheck on top of federal tax and FICA. Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax rate with a 4% surtax on income over $1 million (the 'millionaire tax' approved by voters in 2022). The state has one of the highest LLC filing fees in the nation.
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Take-Home | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,928 | $2,744 | 17.7% |
| $60,000 | $47,998 | $4,000 | 20.0% |
| $80,000 | $61,416 | $5,118 | 23.2% |
| $89,000 | $67,298 | $5,608 | 24.4% |
| $120,000 | $87,523 | $7,294 | 27.1% |
| $160,000 | $112,863 | $9,405 | 29.5% |
Single filer, standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Estimates only.
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and the economic hub of New England, with a world-leading concentration of universities, hospitals, and biotechnology, alongside finance and asset management, technology, and a busy seaport.
| Local Metric | Boston (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 655,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Suffolk County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 162 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $26.00/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $50.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $15.00/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $2,900/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $3,500/month |
| Median home price | $800,000 |
| Median household income | $89,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 6.25% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.56% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
On a $89,000 salary (single, standard deduction) in Boston, estimated take-home pay is roughly $67,298/year. With median household income near $89,000 and average 1-bedroom rent of $2,900/month, housing alone can take a large share of net pay.
Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security 6.2% up to $176,100, Medicare 1.45%) apply to every worker. Massachusetts state income tax (5% to 9%) also applies in Boston.
Boston does not impose a city income tax. Your paycheck reflects federal tax, Massachusetts state tax, and FICA.
For the 2025 tax year filed in 2026, the federal standard deduction is $15,000 (single) and $30,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator applies it before computing federal and state income tax.
Contribute more to a pre-tax 401(k) or 403(b), use an HSA or FSA, and claim eligible deductions. These reduce federal and Massachusetts state income tax, though most do not reduce Social Security or Medicare.