Rent & Housing in Massachusetts
Based on comprehensive economic data across 118 tracked municipalities, Massachusetts presents diverse cost of living environments. Macroeconomic modeling identifies North Adams as the most cost-efficient market, contrasting starkly with the elevated real estate valuations found in Wellesley. Massachusetts assesses a 9% progressive income tax, while residential property taxes average 1.15%. Financial planning in MA requires careful alignment of localized housing costs against state-level tax obligations.
Use this state hub to understand the statewide housing baseline first, then drop into city pages for a household-level feasibility verdict. The key question here is not just whether Massachusetts is “cheap” or “expensive”, but which cities look most livable once rent, home values, taxes, and household income are considered together.
Massachusetts shows elevated statewide housing pressure, with 19% average rent burden and 6.2x home-price-to-income. Treat Wellesley, MA as stretch markets first, and use city pages to separate viable relocation pockets from headline expensive metros.
Massachusetts Tax Radar
At a gross income of $74,580, the localized Massachusetts marginal tax brackets exact an effective state penalty of 4.7%. This results in an absolute "tax drag" drain of $3,509/year compared to states with no income tax.
Lower Housing Pressure Cities
These city pages have comparatively lower rent burden inside Massachusetts, making them strong candidates for the next housing-feasibility clicks.
Biggest Move-Market Cities
These are the highest-population city pages in the state, useful when you want the major relocation targets before exploring the full table.
Rent Pressure Outliers
These city pages show the highest rent burden inside Massachusetts. They are useful when you want to see where renting starts to materially squeeze household budgets.
Buy Pressure Outliers
These city pages have the toughest home-price-to-income ratios in Massachusetts, making them the first places to inspect when buy-side affordability is the core concern.
Most Affordable
All Cities in Massachusetts
| City | Pop. | Home Value | Rent | Income | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 663,972 | $768,702 | $2,093 | $94,755 | 168 |
| Worcester | 205,501 | $423,326 | $2,150 | $67,544 | 128 |
| Springfield | 154,751 | $290,167 | $1,114 | $51,339 | 101 |
| Cambridge | 117,794 | $1,019,841 | $3,355 | $126,469 | 211 |
| Lowell | 114,799 | $471,792 | $1,603 | $76,205 | 128 |
| Brockton | 105,080 | $493,160 | $1,545 | $77,089 | 130 |
| Quincy | 101,361 | $663,170 | $1,998 | $95,711 | 155 |
| Lynn | 100,905 | $568,422 | $1,612 | $74,715 | 139 |
| New Bedford | 100,731 | $428,272 | $1,085 | $56,025 | 116 |
| Fall River | 93,764 | $439,622 | $1,086 | $53,933 | 118 |
| Newton | 88,504 | $1,490,203 | $3,339 | $184,989 | 265 |
| Lawrence | 88,297 | $497,255 | $1,569 | $57,903 | 131 |
| Somerville | 80,549 | $899,400 | $3,322 | $127,056 | 196 |
| Framingham | 72,013 | $600,600 | $1,853 | $98,179 | 146 |
| Haverhill | 67,387 | $535,358 | $1,620 | $87,675 | 135 |
| Malden | 65,509 | $667,071 | $2,066 | $95,298 | 156 |
| Waltham | 64,723 | $802,136 | $2,232 | $116,560 | 173 |
| Brookline | 62,822 | $1,125,994 | $4,137 | $140,631 | 232 |
| Revere | 59,933 | $601,473 | $1,966 | $81,121 | 147 |
| Taunton | 59,719 | $505,207 | $1,269 | $79,715 | 127 |
| Medford | 59,062 | $815,973 | $2,477 | $118,089 | 177 |
| Weymouth Town | 57,786 | $601,688 | $1,861 | $100,077 | 146 |
| Chicopee | 55,213 | $307,391 | $1,108 | $66,927 | 103 |
| Peabody | 54,180 | $683,809 | $1,902 | $95,278 | 156 |
| Methuen Town | 53,043 | $606,141 | $1,610 | $103,270 | 144 |
| Everett | 49,236 | $625,111 | $1,988 | $79,658 | 150 |
| Barnstable Town | 49,232 | $694,044 | $1,751 | $97,348 | 155 |
| Attleboro | 46,499 | $523,555 | $1,446 | $93,266 | 131 |
| Arlington | 46,015 | $1,045,452 | $2,043 | $141,440 | 199 |
| Salem | 44,241 | $597,459 | $1,800 | $85,137 | 145 |
| Leominster | 43,697 | $454,252 | $1,282 | $81,556 | 122 |
| Pittsfield | 43,559 | $297,379 | $1,094 | $68,386 | 101 |
| Beverly | 42,408 | $741,297 | $1,683 | $103,739 | 160 |
| Fitchburg | 41,633 | $389,789 | $1,131 | $70,659 | 113 |
| Marlborough | 41,398 | $567,194 | $1,721 | $95,047 | 140 |
| Woburn | 41,205 | $740,874 | $2,190 | $107,754 | 165 |
| Westfield | 40,673 | $370,015 | $1,064 | $82,847 | 110 |
| Chelsea | 39,460 | $515,982 | $1,859 | $72,220 | 136 |
| Braintree Town | 38,762 | $714,695 | $1,925 | $125,305 | 160 |
| Holyoke | 37,949 | $317,585 | $1,016 | $51,892 | 103 |
| Amherst Town | 35,472 | $516,611 | $1,570 | $65,938 | 132 |
| Watertown Town | 35,270 | $808,652 | $2,357 | $123,422 | 175 |
| Randolph Town | 34,683 | $574,823 | $2,049 | $103,129 | 145 |
| Lexington | 34,085 | $1,542,381 | $2,816 | $219,402 | 265 |
| Franklin Town | 33,067 | $684,155 | $1,856 | $142,788 | 155 |
| Needham | 32,059 | $1,146,000 | $2,412 | $212,241 | 215 |
| Norwood | 31,380 | $712,987 | $2,056 | $97,110 | 161 |
| North Attleborough Town | 30,842 | $462,700 | $1,402 | $109,426 | 117 |
| Wellesley | 29,906 | $1,976,477 | $2,849 | $250,001 | 315 |
| Gloucester | 29,862 | $740,384 | $1,395 | $87,898 | 157 |
| Melrose | 29,488 | $885,146 | $1,933 | $126,854 | 179 |
| Bridgewater Town | 28,669 | $617,809 | $1,976 | $112,482 | 149 |
| Northampton | 28,640 | $474,863 | $1,404 | $78,467 | 126 |
| West Springfield Town | 28,635 | $348,773 | $1,121 | $70,401 | 108 |
| Saugus | 28,599 | $672,355 | $1,982 | $100,819 | 155 |
| Agawam Town | 28,510 | $353,370 | $1,234 | $82,359 | 110 |
| Milton | 28,481 | $1,045,796 | $1,503 | $178,053 | 193 |
| Danvers | 27,924 | $712,277 | $2,004 | $117,072 | 160 |
| Milford | 27,919 | $545,707 | $1,702 | $88,992 | 137 |
| Wakefield | 27,284 | $797,699 | $1,872 | $130,320 | 169 |
| Belmont | 27,009 | $1,409,985 | $2,387 | $178,188 | 245 |
| Burlington | 26,223 | $853,844 | $2,597 | $142,207 | 183 |
| Reading | 25,448 | $894,581 | $1,722 | $163,725 | 178 |
| Dedham | 25,109 | $747,470 | $2,058 | $124,375 | 165 |
| Wilmington | 23,195 | $758,886 | $2,412 | $161,473 | 170 |
| Stoneham | 22,986 | $786,619 | $1,878 | $112,635 | 167 |
| Winchester | 22,862 | $1,511,873 | $2,271 | $218,176 | 255 |
| Gardner | 21,075 | $361,910 | $1,071 | $62,948 | 109 |
| Marblehead | 20,334 | $1,005,541 | $1,769 | $165,859 | 191 |
| Winthrop Town | 18,807 | $673,404 | $1,909 | $106,357 | 155 |
| Newburyport | 18,444 | $906,071 | $1,511 | $144,259 | 177 |
| Somerset | 18,246 | $493,043 | $1,313 | $111,720 | 126 |
| Southbridge Town | 17,806 | $366,635 | $1,157 | $59,397 | 110 |
| Greenfield | 17,662 | $252,000 | $1,097 | $53,961 | 96 |
| Amesbury Town | 17,277 | $609,136 | $1,573 | $100,599 | 144 |
| Abington | 17,008 | $580,926 | $1,547 | $119,787 | 140 |
| Easthampton Town | 16,103 | $416,330 | $1,192 | $72,925 | 116 |
| Longmeadow | 15,724 | $517,081 | $1,650 | $144,639 | 133 |
| Hudson | 15,610 | $599,835 | $1,417 | $96,149 | 141 |
| Swampscott | 15,209 | $799,941 | $2,223 | $128,964 | 173 |
| Lynnfield | 12,964 | $1,059,995 | $2,333 | $172,484 | 204 |
| North Adams | 12,660 | $246,461 | $777 | $48,521 | 92 |
| Palmer Town | 12,372 | $255,000 | $1,041 | $78,789 | 96 |
| Webster | 12,300 | $303,900 | $1,112 | $60,384 | 102 |
| South Yarmouth | 11,642 | $465,100 | $1,665 | $79,638 | 120 |
| Holbrook | 11,320 | $545,721 | $1,522 | $107,768 | 136 |
| Nantucket | 10,837 | $1,359,200 | $2,484 | $109,988 | 232 |
| Maynard | 10,663 | $592,415 | $1,678 | $119,549 | 143 |
| Hull | 10,098 | $689,098 | $1,885 | $127,112 | 156 |
| Andover | 9,261 | $961,136 | $1,422 | $127,054 | 182 |
| Athol | 8,711 | $323,381 | $1,018 | $61,742 | 104 |
| Middleborough Center | 8,064 | $372,400 | $1,705 | $79,520 | 110 |
| Plymouth | 7,852 | $628,204 | $1,701 | $72,639 | 147 |
| Whitinsville | 7,250 | $440,100 | $1,271 | $93,504 | 112 |
| Mansfield Center | 7,232 | $449,200 | $1,601 | $101,546 | 117 |
| Clinton | 6,908 | $438,474 | $1,386 | $78,909 | 121 |
| Pinehurst | 6,737 | $585,600 | $1,759 | $136,406 | 135 |
| Northborough | 6,720 | $676,305 | $1,219 | $154,926 | 147 |
| Cochituate | 6,688 | $862,000 | $1,705 | $190,938 | 166 |
| East Falmouth | 6,415 | $554,200 | $1,884 | $69,121 | 133 |
| Kingston | 6,373 | $669,898 | $1,298 | $130,179 | 147 |
| Foxborough | 6,356 | $698,324 | $1,591 | $83,162 | 154 |
| Medfield | 6,355 | $1,039,370 | $1,667 | $186,625 | 194 |
| West Yarmouth | 6,323 | $456,800 | $1,514 | $63,859 | 117 |
| North Scituate | 6,163 | $771,000 | $1,613 | $136,852 | 155 |
| Sharon | 6,022 | $848,793 | $2,469 | $183,239 | 181 |
| West Concord | 5,997 | $881,800 | $2,444 | $178,979 | 177 |
| Walpole | 5,989 | $754,857 | $1,952 | $132,411 | 165 |
| Yarmouth Port | 5,825 | $542,600 | $1,636 | $108,563 | 128 |
| Salisbury | 5,735 | $612,929 | $1,737 | $93,052 | 146 |
| Ware | 5,723 | $337,919 | $1,046 | $52,039 | 106 |
| East Harwich | 5,670 | $585,400 | $2,213 | $108,157 | 140 |
| Bliss Corner | 5,666 | $430,700 | $1,186 | $73,919 | 110 |
| Scituate | 5,602 | $980,794 | $811 | $126,379 | 178 |
| Adams | 5,584 | $258,514 | $909 | $48,750 | 95 |
| Oxford | 5,572 | $419,379 | $1,047 | $91,742 | 115 |
| Spencer | 5,520 | $425,177 | $1,052 | $59,618 | 116 |
| Hingham | 5,343 | $1,280,464 | $1,066 | $222,696 | 215 |
FAQ: Living in Massachusetts
What is the most affordable city to live in Massachusetts?+
Among the cities we track, North Adams stands out as the most affordable option in Massachusetts. The median home value there is $246,461, and monthly rent typically runs around $777. The local median household income is $48,521, which tends to go further here than in much of the state.
What is the most expensive city in Massachusetts?+
Wellesley is currently the priciest market in MA. Homes there are valued at a median of $1,976,477, and renters can expect to pay around $2,849/month. Incomes are higher too — the median household earns $250,001 — but whether that fully offsets the cost premium depends on your lifestyle.
How are taxes in Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 9%. Property taxes average 1.15% statewide. Combined state and local sales tax can reach 6.25%.
How much does housing vary across Massachusetts?+
There's a huge range. In North Adams, the median home costs around $246,461. In Wellesley, that number jumps to $1,976,477 — roughly 7x more. Rents follow a similar pattern: approximately $777/month vs. $2,849/month. Where you choose to settle within MA can make a dramatic difference in your monthly budget.
Is Massachusetts a good state to move to?+
It depends on your priorities and budget. Massachusetts offers a wide range of living costs depending on the city. You can find very affordable communities alongside expensive metro areas. Home prices range from around $246,461 in budget-friendly areas to $1,976,477 in premium markets. Use the city comparison tool to compare housing, rent, property tax, and everyday cost pressure across locations in MA.
Explore Other States
- Real Estate & Housing: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI, Smoothed & Seasonally Adjusted) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). Structural fallback utilizes U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates.
- Goods, Utilities & Services: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Metropolitan Area Regional Price Parities (MARPP), incorporating verified State Nonmetropolitan averages.
- Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (PMMS) via Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).
- Tax Context: State-level property, sales, and income-tax context used for place-side relocation planning. Personal take-home pay and offer analysis are handled by salary.city.
- Index Methodology: Weighting matrix derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CEX) distributional models. Baseline standardized at 100. (Read methodology details)