3.4 Affordable Cost of Living

Affordable housing makes it possible for a city or region to reflect the ideals of a just and caring society and to attract and retain a range of residents, particularly the young families and workers whose presence is critical to cultural and economic vibrancy for all.  A high cost of living—especially when coupled with job loss—particularly squeezes families with children. Given Metro Boston’s consistently high cost of living, driven by housing , energy and health care, it is increasingly difficult for single-earners to earn income sufficient to support a middle-class standard of living.  (See also Housing.)

See also Housing section.