Cost of Living in Berlin, MA

Population 3,311 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

155
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Berlin run well above the national baseline, with a median of $567,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $122,411 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Berlin sits roughly 12 miles northeast of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 67% higher than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 186
Rent 109

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Berlin

The median home value in Berlin is $566,800 — 86% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,432/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $122,411/year is 64% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Berlin has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$566,800
86% above avg
Median Rent
$1,432/mo
9% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
33.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,438
2 BR
$1,854
3 BR
$2,265
4 BR
$2,493
Owner-occupied 79.8%
Renter-occupied 20.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,432
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,046/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
37.1 min
37% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.8%
Carpooled
1.6%
Walked
3.0%
Work from home
31.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$122,411
64% above avg
Per Capita Income
$64,003
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
25% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Labor Force Participation
58.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.3%
Graduate degree 21.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.4
Male median age 49.1
Female median age 54.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
38.3°F
Annual Precip
43.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343745587078838274625040
Low °F 161725354656626051403022
Precip" 2.652.823.823.783.604.113.523.363.984.483.583.67

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Berlin, MA?

Berlin has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.

What is average rent in Berlin, MA?

The median gross rent in Berlin is $1,432 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Berlin?

The median home value in Berlin is $566,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Berlin?

The median household income in Berlin is $122,411 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Berlin, MA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berlin is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.

Is Berlin, MA affordable?

Berlin is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Berlin?

Berlin has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Berlin at a Glance

Population
3,311
Median Income
$122,411
Home Value
$566,800
Median Rent
$1,432/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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