Cost of Living in Bolton, MA

Population 5,698 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

192
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Bolton run well above the national baseline, with a median of $722,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $198,475 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.

Bolton sits roughly 15 miles northeast of Worcester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 113% higher than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 237
Rent 124

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

About the Cost of Living in Bolton

The median home value in Bolton is $722,300 — 137% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,632/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $198,475/year is 166% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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, Bolton has a cost of living index of 192 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 92% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$722,300
137% above avg
Median Rent
$1,632/mo
24% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
36.9x
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 94.9%
Renter-occupied 5.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,632
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,246/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
35.3 min
31% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
34.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
63.2%
Carpooled
0.6%
Public transit
1.0%
Work from home
34.8%

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
$198,475
166% above avg
Per Capita Income
$83,182
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
21% above avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Labor Force Participation
54.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.6%
Graduate degree 43.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.2
Male median age 41.9
Female median age 40.6

🌤 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 Bolton, MA?

Bolton has a cost index of 192 (100 = national average). It is 92% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bolton, MA?

The median gross rent in Bolton is $1,632 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bolton?

The median home value in Bolton is $722,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Bolton?

The median household income in Bolton is $198,475 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bolton, MA?

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

Is Bolton, MA affordable?

Bolton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 192 — about 92% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Bolton?

Bolton 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.

Bolton at a Glance

Population
5,698
Median Income
$198,475
Home Value
$722,300
Median Rent
$1,632/mo
Unemployment
5.8%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Massachusetts

Explore county-level cost of living data

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