Cost of Living in Quincy MA Explained (2026)

By Krista Recker | March 23, 2026

One of the first questions I hear from buyers and renters considering Quincy is: "What does it actually cost to live there?" It's a fair question — and the honest answer is that Quincy sits in a middle ground that surprises a lot of people. It's meaningfully less expensive than Boston or Cambridge, but it's still Greater Boston, which means the cost of living runs well above the national average. Here's a clear-eyed breakdown of what to expect across every major spending category.

The Big Picture: How Quincy Compares

Quincy's overall cost of living is approximately 36–41% above the national average, depending on the index you use. That sounds steep — and it is, compared to most of the country — but the relevant comparison for most people considering Quincy isn't Omaha or Charlotte. It's Boston. And on that front, Quincy looks considerably better: Boston's cost of living runs about 7–8% higher than Quincy's, with the gap widening significantly when you look at housing specifically. If you're currently renting or buying in Boston or Cambridge, moving to Quincy typically means meaningful savings without giving up the Red Line commute.

To live comfortably in Quincy, financial planners generally recommend a minimum annual income of approximately $84,800 for a single person and $109,800 for a family. Those numbers reflect the full cost picture — housing, transportation, food, utilities, and childcare where applicable.

Housing: The Biggest Variable

Housing is where Quincy's cost of living story gets most interesting — and most nuanced. The city spans a wide range of housing types and price points, from waterfront condos in Marina Bay to triple-deckers in North Quincy to single-family homes in Merrymount. What you pay depends enormously on what you're looking for and where.

Buying

As of early 2026, the median home sale price in Quincy is approximately $575,000–$625,000, though this varies significantly by neighborhood. Wollaston and Merrymount tend to command premiums, while parts of Quincy Point and South Quincy offer more accessible entry points. Condos — which make up a large share of Quincy's housing stock — typically range from $350,000 to $650,000 depending on size, location, and building amenities. Single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods regularly exceed $700,000.

For buyers financing at current rates (approximately 6.35% on a 30-year fixed mortgage), a $575,000 purchase with 10% down translates to a monthly payment of roughly $3,400–$3,600 including taxes and insurance. Quincy's property tax rate is approximately $11.78 per $1,000 of assessed value — lower than many comparable South Shore communities.

Renting

Rental prices in Quincy have stabilized somewhat after several years of rapid increases, but they remain elevated. As of March 2026, the average rent across all unit types is approximately $2,499/month. Here's a more detailed breakdown by unit type:

The "outside center" category is worth noting — Quincy's neighborhoods away from Quincy Center and North Quincy (think Wollaston, Merrymount, Hough's Neck, and Squantum) can offer meaningfully lower rents while still providing Red Line access within a reasonable commute.

Transportation

Transportation is one of Quincy's genuine advantages. The city is served by four Red Line stations — Quincy Center, Quincy Adams, North Quincy, and Wollaston — making car-free or car-light living genuinely viable for many residents. A monthly MBTA pass runs $90/month, and a one-way fare is $2.40. For those who commute into Boston daily, the transit savings compared to driving (parking in Boston averages $300–$500/month) can be substantial.

For residents who do drive, Quincy's proximity to Route 93 and Route 3 makes car commuting practical, though rush-hour traffic on the Southeast Expressway is a real consideration. Gas prices in the area run approximately $3.10–$3.50/gallon. Car insurance in Massachusetts is among the highest in the country — budget $1,500–$2,500/year depending on your vehicle and driving record.

Groceries and Food

Quincy's grocery costs are in line with the broader Greater Boston area — higher than the national average, but not dramatically so. The city has a strong mix of grocery options: Market Basket (one of the most affordable chains in New England), Stop & Shop, Trader Joe's, and a wide range of Asian supermarkets in North Quincy that offer excellent value on produce, seafood, and specialty items.

Dining out in Quincy is a genuine highlight of the city. The restaurant scene — particularly in North Quincy and Quincy Center — is exceptional for a city of its size. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages around $23.50, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant runs approximately $120. Quincy's large Asian-American community has produced an outstanding concentration of authentic Asian restaurants that offer excellent value compared to Boston equivalents.

Utilities

Monthly utility costs for a typical 915 square foot apartment in Quincy average approximately $208/month, covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. This is in line with Greater Boston norms. Heating costs can spike in winter — Quincy's winters are cold, and older housing stock (triple-deckers, older condos) can be less energy-efficient. Budget $250–$350/month for utilities in winter months if you're in an older building.

Broadband internet runs approximately $72.50/month for a standard plan, and mobile phone plans average $57/month for a plan with calls and 10GB+ data.

Childcare

For families with young children, childcare costs are a significant factor. Full-day preschool or kindergarten in Quincy averages approximately $1,833/month per child — a substantial expense that reflects Massachusetts's broader childcare cost challenge. The Quincy Public Schools system serves K–12 students at no tuition cost, and the district has several well-regarded elementary schools that are worth researching by neighborhood if schools are a priority in your home search.

Healthcare

Massachusetts has near-universal health insurance coverage due to state law, but healthcare costs remain a significant budget item. Employer-sponsored insurance is the most common coverage path; for those purchasing on the Massachusetts Health Connector, individual plans typically run $400–$700/month depending on age and coverage level. Quincy is well-served by healthcare facilities, with South Shore Hospital in nearby Weymouth and multiple urgent care and specialty clinics within the city.

What Does a Comfortable Life in Quincy Actually Cost?

Putting it all together, here's a realistic monthly budget for two common household profiles:

These figures are for renters. Homeowners replace the rent line with a mortgage payment, which at current prices and rates typically runs $3,200–$4,000/month for a median-priced Quincy home with 10–20% down.

Is Quincy Worth It?

The honest answer is: it depends on what you're comparing it to. If you're coming from somewhere in the Midwest or South, Quincy will feel expensive. If you're coming from Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, or Brookline, Quincy will feel like a relative bargain — particularly for buyers, where the price-per-square-foot advantage over Boston neighborhoods is substantial.

What Quincy offers for the price is genuinely strong: direct Red Line access to downtown Boston, a diverse and excellent food scene, real waterfront access, a range of housing types from condos to single-families, and a community that has invested heavily in its downtown and neighborhoods over the past decade. For buyers who've been priced out of closer-in neighborhoods, Quincy consistently delivers strong value.

If you're trying to figure out whether Quincy makes financial sense for your specific situation — whether that's buying, renting, or comparing to other South Shore towns — I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you. Reach out here and we can talk through what's realistic for your budget in today's market.