Almost One-Third of Residents Unhappy With Cost of Living in Massachusetts

A new Suffolk University and Boston Globe poll reported that about one-third of Massachusetts residents would consider leaving the state due to the cost of living. The survey elicited responses from 500 voters to the question: "In the last 12 months, have you considered leaving Massachusetts because of the cost of living here?" Approximately 32% replied "yes," and 68% said "no."

Among the top economic concerns cited by poll respondents were inflation and the cost of living (36.6%), followed by health care costs (24.6%) and housing affordability (17.4%). Approximately 10.8% said taxes, 6.2% cited unemployment or job security, 3.8% said they were undecided, and 0.6% refused to answer the question, according to the poll results.

In addition to voicing their concerns about the economic pressures facing their households, a majority of respondents expressed support for ballot measures that would cap annual rent increases in most rental units at no more than 5% statewide. This measure would cut the state income tax rate from 5% to 4% by 2029.

Both measures await approval from the Attorney General to appear on the 2026 ballot, according to a MassLive report.

According to a CBS News Boston WBZ report, more factors could influence the cost of living in ht years to come. Health care costs could rise if federal tax credits expire, potentially affecting more than 300,000 Massachusetts residents who currently receive insurance assistance.

The Boston area is also among the most expensive places to raise a child. SmartAsset estimates the annual costs at around $39,221, with more than half of this amount going to child care.

In 2024, a MassINC Polling Group survey found that 21% of residents said they could envision themselves leaving Massachusetts over the next five years, citing high housing and transportation costs as their chief reasons for wanting to leave the Bay State.