Cost of Living in Charlton, MA
Population 13,359 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Charlton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $405,000. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Charlton sits roughly 12 miles southwest of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Charlton
The median home value in Charlton is $405,200 — 33% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,215/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,809/year is 61% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Charlton has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% 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 | 32 | 35 | 43 | 56 | 67 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 71 | 59 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 17 | 19 | 26 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip" | 3.52 | 3.26 | 4.19 | 4.08 | 3.56 | 4.22 | 3.93 | 4.14 | 4.24 | 4.84 | 4.00 | 4.28 |
| Snow" | 18.2 | 21.2 | 13.7 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 14.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Charlton, MA?
Charlton has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.
What is average rent in Charlton, MA?
The median gross rent in Charlton is $1,215 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Charlton?
The median home value in Charlton is $405,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Charlton?
The median household income in Charlton is $119,809 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Charlton, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Charlton is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Charlton, MA affordable?
Charlton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Charlton?
Charlton has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3". Average annual snowfall is 72.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Charlton at a Glance
- Population
- 13,359
- Median Income
- $119,809
- Home Value
- $405,200
- Median Rent
- $1,215/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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