salaryRent here is among the highest 10% in the country. Household incomes are higher than in 97% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 6.2 years of household income, so buying is hard for most locals. It is a highly educated city: 81.1% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $145,920 a year. That is $70 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Massachusetts cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Massachusetts. It is number 123 of 123 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Newton?
Share of households by yearly income. 65.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Newton
| Size | Newton | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,646 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,900 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,786 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,506 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,500+ | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Newton overall?
Everyday prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area are 8% above the U.S. average (index 108.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Newton
Life in Newton
What jobs pay in Newton
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $183,350 | 23.9% |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | 26.4% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $147,480 | 29.7% |
| Physician Assistant | $142,410 | 30.7% |
| Pharmacist | $139,660 | 31.3% |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | 32.7% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | 33.9% |
| Civil Engineer | $107,670 | 40.7% |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | 41.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | 42.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | 42.9% |
| Accountant | $100,150 | 43.7% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | 44.6% |
| Plumber | $96,760 | 45.2% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,190 | 53.3% |
| Electrician | $79,910 | 54.8% |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | 55.7% |
| Police Officer | $78,180 | 56.0% |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | 58.2% |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | 59.2% |
| Truck Driver | $64,010 | 68.4% |
| Medical Assistant | $50,740 | 86.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $49,920 | 87.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,590 | 92.0% |
| Restaurant Cook | $45,830 | 95.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $45,600 | 96.0% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | 111.5% |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,850 | 118.8% |
| Cashier | $36,040 | 121.5% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Newton?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $5,129 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $1,264,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $126,490 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Newton, MA?
Renting in Newton costs a median of about $3,648 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Massachusetts median is $2,331.
How much do I need to make to live in Newton?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $145,920 a year, or $70 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Newton cheap or expensive?
Newton is rated OK: rent takes 21.3% of the typical household income of $205,243. It ranks 123rd cheapest of 123 Massachusetts cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Newton?
The median homeowner in Newton pays $10,000+ a year in property taxes, about 0.79% of the median home value.
Is Newton more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 8% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Newton?
The median home value in Newton is $1,264,900, about 6.2 times the typical yearly household income.
89,044 people live in Newton. Numbers are typical (middle) values.