Households in Greater Boston need to earn at least $180,000 to afford a home in a low-priced town.

Estimated amount of yearly income need to afford the monthly payments of a median-priced single-family home in a low-priced town.

Note: Estimates are adjusted for inflation. Estimates assume a 3.5% down payment for a 30-year fixed rate loan with zero points, 0.55% mortgage insurance, 0.35% property insurance, 0.96% property taxes, 3% closing costs, and a maximum 31% debt to income ratio. Towns are arranged by median-sale price for single-family homes and divided into thirds. Home values are adjusted for inflation. Estimated number of renters refers to those with incomes high enough to afford a home in Greater Boston (i.e., spend no more than 30% of income on housing costs).
Chart: Boston IndicatorsSource: Boston Indicators tabulations on Freddie Mac, Primary Mortgage Market Surveys, The Warren Group