Why soaring housing costs threaten Boston’s economic vitality

BOSTON – Boston is expensive. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but the numbers on the cost of living are enough to make even longtime residents consider relocating. According to Kiplinger, residing in Boston costs 39.7% more than the national average while health care and groceries are both about 26% higher. Yet median household income remains about the same as the rest of the nation and the city's poverty rate is a relatively high 21 percent. Why is living in Boston so expensive? A

BOSTON – Boston is expensive. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but the numbers on the cost of living are enough to make even longtime residents consider relocating. According to Kiplinger, residing in Boston costs 39.7% more than the national average while health care and groceries are both about 26% higher. Yet median household income remains about the same as the rest of the nation and the city's poverty rate is a relatively high 21 percent. Why is living in Boston so expensive? A…