This is How Much You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in Massachusetts in 2023

Massachusetts ain't cheap! This is something most Bay State residents understand well. I bet a few of you even let out a sharp HA! when reading that since the amount we pay out our noses for almost everything is almost comical (yet not comical at all) at this point.

And now a new report from Go Banking Rates has really put that into perspective. Their report looks at how much you'd have to make at your job to comfortably live in each of the 50 U.S. states. The good news? We don't come in last!

The study looked at data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to help determine how much people pay in necessities each year in every state. They then used those figures to determine how much you'd have to make to live comfortably in each state. And unfortunately, it sure takes a good chunk o' change to live comfortably here in Massachusetts (like we needed a report to tell us that?!).

So I'm guessing that you want that figure. That's what you're here for, right? You want to know the dollar amount - how much exactly do you need to live comfortably in Massachusetts? What's that magic number??

$87,909

That's the figure. And if you live in a two adult household, go ahead and double that number because it only represents single people. Do you live in a double aduly household with kids? Double that number then good luck at figuring in the kiddos. Dang, these high numbers are starting to give me a little panic attack. I'll finish this article after a quick breathing exercise.

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Ok thanks. Massachusetts is the second most expensive state according to the study. Hawaii kicks our butt at #1. You'd need to make $112,411 to live comfortably there. On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in. You'd need to make $45,906 yearly to live comfortably there.

After that depressing comfortable wage news you might need a nice stiff drink. Thankfully two of the very best breweries are right here in Mass. Stand by for happier news...

Hop-heads already know: we have some absolutely legendary beers coming out of Massachusetts - in fact the top-rated brewery in the entire country is here in Massachusetts.

Untappd keeps a running tally of the top-rated breweries in the United States. Their list shows the top breweries, based on their "weighted average formula." The formula rates all breweries against each-other and gives weight to their beers with higher rating count. A brewery must have at least 1,000 ratings and at least 5 beers in their portfolio to qualify for their list.

As far as the country goes, I found U.S. data and these are the top-selling beers in all of America. This will look very different than the "top-rated breweries" list below. The top selling beer in America in 2022 was Budweiser, which sold $6.49 BILLION worth of it's product. Modelo came in second, followed by Michelob which finished 2022 in third place.

Craft and small breweries have a rich history in Massachusetts, dating back to the colonial era when local taverns brewed their own ales. In the late 19th century, a wave of German immigrants brought brewing expertise, contributing to the state's brewing culture. Prohibition dealt a blow to the industry, but it rebounded in the late 20th century with pioneers like Jim Koch, who founded Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston in 1984. The Massachusetts craft beer scene has since flourished, boasting numerous innovative breweries producing diverse styles. This resurgence has revitalized the state's brewing heritage, offering both locals and visitors a taste of its flavorful history.

Before I give you the 7 Top-Rated Breweries in America, let's give you two other interesting recent Massachusetts beer news stories to gulp down:
Massachusetts Has the Two WORST Cities in America for Rooftop Drinking?
Massachusetts Golfers Drink the Least Beer

Alright, here are the Top 7 Top-Rated Breweries in America - featuring two appearances by Mass breweries! *applause*

#7
Brewery: Great Notion Brewing
Location: Multiple locations around Portland, OR
Check them out on the web: greatnotion.com

#6
Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company
Location: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Check them out on the web: russianriverbrewing.com

#5
Brewery: Equilibrium Brewery
Location: 4 South St, Middletown, NY 10940
Check them out on the web: eqbrew.com

#4
Brewery: Other Half Brewing Co.
Location: Multiple - founded in Brooklyn, NY
Check them out on the web: otherhalfbrewing.com

#3
Massachusetts Brewer!
Brewery: Trillium Brewing Company
Location: Multiple in MA
Check them out on the web: trilliumbrewing.com

#2
Brewery: The Alchemist
Location: 100 Cottage Club Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Check them out on the web: shop.alchemistbeer.com

#1
Massachusetts Brewer!
Brewery: Tree House Brewing Company
Location: 129 Sturbridge Rd, Charlton, MA 01507
Check them out on the web: treehousebrew.com