The Real Salary Guide: Living on $100,000 in Somerville, MA

You see the job offer: $100,000. It looks substantial. It feels like a milestone. But in the high-stakes economy of the Greater Boston area, that number is a sticker price, not your spending power. Before you sign that lease in Davis Square or Packard’s Corner, you need to run the Verification Test.

Here is the raw data on what a six-figure salary actually buys you in Somerville, Massachusetts.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

The "sticker price" of your labor is $100,000. The "take-home" reality is determined by the tax drag of both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Federal Government.

The Breakdown:

• Gross Annual Income: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (MA): -$5,000
• Total Tax Drag: -$26,264

The Reality:
Your liquidity is not $100,000. It is $73,736.

You are losing over 26% of your income to taxes before you touch a single bill. That is a significant haircut. The $5,000 state tax is a fixed cost of living in Massachusetts—a premium you pay for the state's infrastructure and social services, regardless of how frugal you try to be.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net pay of $6,145, the 50/30/20 rule provides a disciplined framework for survival and wealth generation in a high-cost market.

Needs ($3,072): The Rent Squeeze

This category covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance. In Somerville, $3,072 is a tight boundary. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers between $2,400 and $2,800.

• The Math: If you secure a unit for $2,600, you are left with $472 for utilities, internet, and food.
• The Verdict: A single person can afford rent, but you will be budget-conscious. You are likely spending closer to 45% of your net income on housing than the recommended 50%. There is zero margin for error here; a roommate situation is the financial optimization play.

Wants ($1,843): The "Somerville Experience"

This is your dining budget in the Union Square market, tickets at the Davis Theater, and drinks at local breweries. $1,843 is a healthy discretionary fund. It allows for a social life, but it doesn't make you a high roller. You can live well, but you cannot splurge daily.

Savings ($1,229): Wealth Creation

Saving $1,229 monthly is the strongest part of this profile.

• Annual Savings: $14,748
• The Power: This is enough to max out a Roth IRA ($7,000) and contribute significantly to a 401(k). In Somerville, $100k is an entry-level salary for professionals (tech, biotech, finance). If you treat this savings rate as a non-negotiable bill, you build a foundation that outpaces inflation.

Somerville Taxes vs The Competition

How does the "Taxachussetts" burden compare to other hubs?

Somerville vs. New York City:

• Somerville: You pay a flat $5,000 state tax. No local city tax.
• NYC: You would pay a flat NY State tax (~$5,000) plus a NYC Resident Income Tax (roughly 3-3.8%). That’s an extra $3,000+ in the hole annually.
• Winner: Somerville. You keep more of your paycheck than a New Yorker.

Somerville vs. Austin, Texas:

• Somerville: ~$26,264 total tax burden.
• Austin: State Income Tax: $0. Federal: $13,614. FICA: $7,650. Total Tax: $21,264.
• The Trap: Texas saves you $5,000 in income tax, but property taxes and home insurance are significantly higher. In Somerville, you pay for the privilege of living in a walkable, transit-connected hub; in Austin, you pay the piper at the property assessment office. For a renter, Texas is cheaper. For a homeowner, the gap narrows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Somerville?
A: Somerville does not levy a local city income tax. You are subject to a flat 5% State Income Tax (Massachusetts), plus Federal taxes. On a $100,000 salary, this results in a $5,000 annual state tax liability.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Somerville?
A: It is a survivalist salary, not a wealth-building salary. $100k is roughly the median household income for the area. You will live comfortably as a single person, but you will not feel "rich." Homeownership on this solo income is nearly impossible without a significant down payment or dual-income household.

Q: Does Somerville have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on the provided data, there is $0 in local taxes. Your tax burden is strictly Federal and State.

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Disclaimer: The figures in this guide are based on the 2026 IRS Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expiration projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Boston-Cambridge-Newton area, and Massachusetts State Comptroller tax schedules. Calculations assume Single Filing Status with Standard Deduction.