Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A physician assistant in Boston earns roughly $190,815/yr (~$9,755/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $2,600/mo — that's 27% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
MA · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Boston?
Using local salary estimates and Boston's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Boston, MA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$190,815/yr local estimate
$15,901
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
5% state income tax
-$6,146
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$9,755
1BR rent
27% of take-home
-$2,600
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$160
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$420
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$6,225
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Boston could save roughly $29,880/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 27% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 27% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Boston is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $190,815/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Boston's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Boston for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
South End
Victorian brownstones, best restaurant row, galleries, LGBTQ+ community; 1BR $2,800–3,500
Cambridge (Kendall/MIT)
Biotech corridor, walkable, dense, university energy; 1BR $2,800–3,600
Cambridge (Harvard Square)
College-town feel, bookshops, Red Line, independent restaurants; 1BR $2,500–3,200
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Boston?
A Physician Assistant in Boston earns approximately $190,815 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Boston's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Boston affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 27% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A physician assistant can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Boston?
After federal taxes, 5% state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $190,815/yr takes home roughly $9,755/month in Boston.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Boston?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Boston costs a median of $2,600/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 27% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.