Cost of Living in Ashland, MA
Population 18,694 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Ashland sits 92% above the national median — $586,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $127,106 (70% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Ashland sits roughly 15 miles east of Worcester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 73% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ashland
The median home value in Ashland is $586,000 — 92% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,334/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $127,106/year is 70% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 62.9°F and lows of 41.0°F. Overall, Ashland has a cost of living index of 186 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 86% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 42 | 49 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 41 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 2.80 | 3.72 | 3.96 | 3.30 | 3.92 | 3.03 | 3.63 | 3.82 | 4.54 | 3.69 | 4.09 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ashland, MA?
Ashland has a cost index of 186 (100 = national average). It is 86% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ashland, MA?
The median gross rent in Ashland is $2,334 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $586,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland is $127,106 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ashland, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ashland is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Ashland, MA affordable?
Ashland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 186 — about 86% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Ashland?
Ashland has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ashland at a Glance
- Population
- 18,694
- Median Income
- $127,106
- Home Value
- $586,000
- Median Rent
- $2,334/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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