Cost of Living in Blackstone, MA

Population 9,211 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

113
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Blackstone sits on the smaller end of the Massachusetts city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Blackstone sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Providence — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 129
Rent 88

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

About the Cost of Living in Blackstone

The median home value in Blackstone is $394,600 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,157/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,986/year is 33% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, below 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Blackstone has a cost of living index of 113 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$394,600
29% above avg
Median Rent
$1,157/mo
12% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.4x
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 73.8%
Renter-occupied 26.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,157
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,771/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
36.0 min
33% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.6%
Carpooled
6.0%
Public transit
0.6%
Work from home
16.8%

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
$98,986
33% above avg
Per Capita Income
$50,874
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
53% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Labor Force Participation
55.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.0%
Graduate degree 11.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44
Male median age 42.9
Female median age 44.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
43.1°F
Annual Precip
47.5"
Annual Snowfall
36.6"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384148596978848275645343
Low °F 222430404959656457453628
Precip" 3.963.444.904.293.373.812.913.594.174.184.274.65
Snow" 10.310.56.40.60.00.00.00.00.00.21.07.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Blackstone, MA?

Blackstone has a cost index of 113 (100 = national average). It is 13% above the national average.

What is average rent in Blackstone, MA?

The median gross rent in Blackstone is $1,157 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Blackstone?

The median home value in Blackstone is $394,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Blackstone?

The median household income in Blackstone is $98,986 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Blackstone, MA?

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

Is Blackstone, MA affordable?

Blackstone is above average in cost of living, with an index of 113 — about 13% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Blackstone?

Blackstone has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Blackstone at a Glance

Population
9,211
Median Income
$98,986
Home Value
$394,600
Median Rent
$1,157/mo
Unemployment
2.3%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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