Income Needed to Buy a Home in Massachusetts (2026)
Verdict: unaffordable — requires $185,722/year (#3 least affordable of 51 US states)
Massachusetts ranks #3 of 51 US states for housing unaffordability in 2026. Buying the median home at $656,690 requires a household income of about $185,722. That's $80,894 more than the median household actually earns ($104,828) — a shortfall of 77% of typical income.
Massachusetts's affordability ratio of 1.77 (required income ÷ actual median income) is 38.7% worse than the median across all 51 US states (1.28). Home prices here sit 89.4% above the cross-state median of $346,668.
An effective property tax rate of 0.97% adds $531 per month, while homeowners insurance runs about $1,733/year. All-in, the monthly PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) comes to $4,334.
Massachusetts monthly cost breakdown (2026)
| Median home price | $656,690 |
| Loan amount (10% down) | $591,021 |
| Monthly principal & interest | $3,658 |
| Monthly property tax (0.97% rate) | $531 |
| Monthly homeowners insurance | $144 |
| Total monthly PITI | $4,334 |
| Required household income | $185,722 |
| Median household income | $104,828 |
Run your own numbers
These figures model the median buyer. Your rate, down payment, and debts change the answer — check your personal maximum with the Home Affordability Analyzer or build a full payment schedule in the Advanced Mortgage Calculator. Closing costs typically add 2–5% on top — estimate them with the Closing Costs Estimator.
How Massachusetts compares
- New York — similar affordability (ratio 1.76, requires $150,728)
- Rhode Island — similar affordability (ratio 1.75, requires $146,304)
- Montana — similar affordability (ratio 1.75, requires $131,484)
- West Virginia — among the most affordable US states (requires $48,369)
- Iowa — among the most affordable US states (requires $74,199)
See every state and province ranked in the 2026 Mortgage Affordability Index.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to buy a house in Massachusetts in 2026?
About $185,722 per year to afford the median-priced home of $656,690, assuming a 10% down payment and standard 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. The median Massachusetts household earns $104,828.
What is the monthly cost of owning a median home in Massachusetts?
Roughly $4,334 per month, including principal and interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance.
Is Massachusetts affordable at the median income?
No. The required income exceeds the median household income by $80,894 (77%), ranking Massachusetts #3 least affordable of 51 US states.
Methodology & sources
Assumes 10% down, 30-year fixed at prevailing 2026 rates, 28% housing-cost-to-income guideline. Home prices from Zillow ZHVI (March 2026); incomes from Census ACS 1-Year 2024; property taxes from Tax Foundation; insurance from Bankrate state averages. Figures model the median scenario and are not financial advice. Full sources on the affordability index.