Cost of Living in Chelmsford, MA
Population 36,220 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Chelmsford run well above the national baseline, with a median of $565,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $140,519 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.
Located <5 miles southwest of Lowell, Chelmsford falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Lowell's $395,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chelmsford
The median home value in Chelmsford is $565,000 — 85% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,959/month, 49% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $140,519/year is 88% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 39.7°F. Overall, Chelmsford has a cost of living index of 171 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 71% 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 | 37 | 39 | 48 | 60 | 70 | 79 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 64 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.90 | 2.69 | 3.85 | 3.84 | 3.36 | 3.72 | 3.51 | 3.47 | 3.54 | 4.24 | 3.72 | 3.76 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chelmsford, MA?
Chelmsford has a cost index of 171 (100 = national average). It is 71% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chelmsford, MA?
The median gross rent in Chelmsford is $1,959 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chelmsford?
The median home value in Chelmsford is $565,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Chelmsford?
The median household income in Chelmsford is $140,519 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chelmsford, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chelmsford is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Chelmsford, MA affordable?
Chelmsford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 171 — about 71% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chelmsford?
Chelmsford has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chelmsford at a Glance
- Population
- 36,220
- Median Income
- $140,519
- Home Value
- $565,000
- Median Rent
- $1,959/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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