Cost to heat a house in Boston, MA
In Boston, natural gas is cheaper to run: about $1,462 a year for a typical 2,000 sq ft home, versus $1,706 for a cold-climate heat pump ($245/year more). A heat pump can still make sense if you also need air conditioning, want lower emissions, or pair it with your furnace as a dual-fuel system for the coldest days.
Annual heating cost, 2,000 sq ft home (USD)
Average insulation, high-efficiency furnaces, cold-climate heat pump with a seasonal efficiency (COP) of 2.8 in Boston's climate. Space heating only.
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1 GJ ≈ 26.4 m³ of natural gas ≈ 9.48 therms. US gas bills in therms: $/therm × 9.48 = $/GJ.
Heating cost by home size in Boston
| Home size | Heat pump | Natural gas furnace | Propane furnace | Heating oil furnace | Electric baseboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $853 | $821 | $1,219 | $1,458 | $2,391 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $1,280 | $1,141 | $1,829 | $2,187 | $3,587 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $1,706 | $1,462 | $2,438 | $2,917 | $4,782 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $2,133 | $1,782 | $3,048 | $3,646 | $5,978 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $2,560 | $2,102 | $3,657 | $4,375 | $7,173 |
Month-by-month heating cost
Most of the bill lands in the coldest months. In January, a 2,000 sq ft home in Boston needs about 11.3 GJ of heat.
| Month | Avg temp | Heat pump | Natural gas furnace | Propane furnace | Heating oil furnace | Electric baseboard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -1.2°C | $360 | $262 | $470 | $563 | $922 |
| Feb | -0.1°C | $302 | $227 | $404 | $483 | $792 |
| Mar | 3.5°C | $249 | $202 | $355 | $425 | $697 |
| Apr | 9.2°C | $136 | $126 | $212 | $253 | $415 |
| May | 14.7°C | $62 | $69 | $104 | $124 | $203 |
| Jun | 20.0°C | $18 | $32 | $32 | $38 | $62 |
| Jul | 23.4°C | $7 | $21 | $11 | $14 | $22 |
| Aug | 22.6°C | $9 | $23 | $15 | $18 | $30 |
| Sep | 18.7°C | $26 | $38 | $44 | $53 | $87 |
| Oct | 12.7°C | $87 | $90 | $142 | $170 | $278 |
| Nov | 7.1°C | $171 | $151 | $259 | $310 | $509 |
| Dec | 2.1°C | $280 | $220 | $389 | $466 | $764 |
Energy prices used
- Electricity: 29.35¢/kWh USD — U.S. EIA 2024 average residential electricity and natural gas prices by state (via AGA summary, Mar 2026)
- Natural gas: $20.76/GJ (≈ $2.19/therm) plus ~$15/month fixed charge — U.S. EIA 2024 average residential electricity and natural gas prices by state (via AGA summary, Mar 2026)
- Heating oil: $6.18/gal — EIA weekly residential price, Massachusetts, week of Nov 2, 2026, excl. taxes (price history)
- Propane: $3.81/gal — EIA weekly residential price, Massachusetts, week of Nov 2, 2026, excl. taxes (price history)
Change any price in the calculator above to match your bill. Prices exclude sales tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to heat a house in Boston?
For a typical 2,000 sq ft home with average insulation, expect roughly $1,462 to $4,782 USD per year depending on the system. The cheapest option at current prices is the natural gas furnace ($1,462/year).
Is a heat pump worth it in Boston?
In Boston, natural gas is cheaper to run: about $1,462 a year for a typical 2,000 sq ft home, versus $1,706 for a cold-climate heat pump ($245/year more). A heat pump can still make sense if you also need air conditioning, want lower emissions, or pair it with your furnace as a dual-fuel system for the coldest days.
How much does heating cost per month in Boston in winter?
In January, heating a 2,000 sq ft home costs about $360 with a heat pump, $262 with natural gas and $563 with heating oil (USD).
How cold does it get in Boston?
The average January temperature in Boston is -1.2°C (30°F). The city has about 3,086 heating degree-days a year (base 18°C).