Home Values in Boston, Massachusetts — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Seller's Market | +4.4% YoY
The median home value in Boston, Massachusetts is $750,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in Boston have increased by 4.4% over the past year and 24% over the last five years. With a population of 675,647 and a median household income of $76,298, the price-to-income ratio stands at 9.8x, making Boston affordable for the average household.
Boston Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Boston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $750,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +4.4% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +24% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $433 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 49 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 1.8 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 96.2% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 492 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.15% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Boston
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $604,839 five years ago in Boston would have gained approximately $145,161 in equity, representing a 24% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $31,609 in home equity.
Affordability in Boston, MA
With a median household income of $76,298 and a median home price of $750,000, the price-to-income ratio in Boston is 9.8x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $5,556 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $4,313 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.78. In Boston, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Boston
The effective property tax rate in Massachusetts is 1.2%. On a home valued at $750,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $9,000, or approximately $750/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Boston is 152.2 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are above the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Boston, MA?
The median home value in Boston, Massachusetts is $750,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +4.4% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 24%.
Is Boston a buyer's or seller's market?
Boston is currently a seller's market with 1.8 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 49 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 96.2%. Low inventory gives sellers an advantage.
Are home values going up in Boston?
Yes, home values in Boston have increased by 4.4% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 24%, meaning a home worth $604,839 five years ago is now worth $750,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Boston?
The average monthly rent in Boston is $5,556, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $4,313. The price-to-rent ratio is 11.2. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other Massachusetts Cities
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Boston, Massachusetts is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.