Boston, MA to Cookeville, TN

Comparing the costs of living

The Armenian community in Boston

The Armenian community in the Boston area primarily resides in neighborhoods such as Watertown, Belmont, Cambridge, and Newton. Watertown, in particular, is known as the heart of the Armenian community, hosting numerous Armenian churches, schools, cultural organizations, and businesses. The greater Boston area is home to an estimated 30,000 Armenians, making it one of the largest Armenian-American populations in the United States.

The cost of living in the Boston area has seen a substantial increase over the past decade. Housing prices have skyrocketed, driven by high demand and limited supply, making it one of the most expensive metropolitan areas in the United States. Additionally, the costs of goods, services, and transportation have also risen significantly. This surge in the cost of living has impacted all residents as they navigate the challenges of maintaining their standard of living amidst escalating expenses.

Comparing housing and property costs

In Watertown, MA, the cost of housing is significantly higher compared to Cookeville, TN. The median home price in Watertown is around $750,000, while in Cookeville, it is approximately $250,000. Renting also reflects this disparity, with a one-bedroom apartment in Watertown costing about $2,500 per month, compared to roughly $900 per month in Cookeville. This difference in housing costs is a major factor in the overall cost of living.

Comparing taxes

Taxes also contribute to the higher cost of living in Watertown. Massachusetts has a state income tax rate of 5%, whereas Tennessee does not have a state income tax. Property taxes in Watertown are higher as well, with rates around 1.2% of the property value, compared to Cookeville’s approximate rate of 0.7%. This means that for a $500,000 home, annual property taxes in Watertown would be about $6,000, compared to $3,500 in Cookeville.

Comparing utilities and groceries

Utilities and groceries are also more expensive in Watertown. The average monthly utility bill (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for a standard apartment is about $200 in Watertown, compared to around $150 in Cookeville. Groceries cost about 10-15% more in Watertown, reflecting the higher overall cost of living in the Boston metropolitan area.

Overall comparison

For someone making $100,000 in Watertown, MA, would face a higher cost of living compared to someone making the same salary in Cookeville, TN. Higher housing costs, taxes, utilities, groceries, and transportation expenses in Watertown significantly impact disposable income. In contrast, Cookeville offers a more affordable lifestyle, allowing residents to stretch their income further and potentially enjoy a higher standard of living on the same salary. Generally, the cost of living in Watertown can be about 50% to 70% higher than in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Cost of living is just one of the many benefits of living in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.