The Verdict
Above Market Standard
This salary provides a strong buffer above the local median. You should comfortably afford modern housing and have significant capacity for savings and discretionary spending.
Advertisement
AdSpace • rectangle
Estimated Monthly Allocation
Monthly Net Income
$7,662
Housing & Utilities
$2,299Target 30-35% of net. Covers rent/mortgage in outer districts.
Groceries & Transport
$1,532Core living expenses adjusted for Boston CPI.
Lifestyle & Leisure
$1,916Dining out, entertainment, and personal care.
Savings & Investment
$1,916Remaining allocation for long-term wealth.
Other salary checks in Boston
Jump to adjacent income bands to stress test lifestyle outcomes.
Compare $120,000 across peer hubs
Same salary, different macro-region hubs to benchmark opportunity cost.
Adjust the Numbers
Salary FAQs
What does $120,000 translate to after tax in Boston?↓
Our deterministic engine estimates roughly $91,944 per year (~$7,662 monthly) after United States income taxes and mandatory social contributions for a single filer.
Can $120,000 comfortably cover housing in Boston?↓
Allocating about $2,299 (30% of monthly net income) keeps housing and utilities within the recommended 30–35% band even in prime districts.
How much could I save earning $120,000 in Boston?↓
Following the Sovereign allocation, you could direct roughly $1,916 per month (25% of take-home pay) toward investments, reserves, or debt payoff.