Cost of Living in Chelsea, MA
Population 39,460 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Chelsea is a long average commute — 37 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located <5 miles north of Boston, Chelsea falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Boston's $710,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chelsea
The median home value in Chelsea is $476,500 — 56% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,859/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,220/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, 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%. Overall, Chelsea has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chelsea, MA?
The median gross rent in Chelsea is $1,859 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea is $476,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea is $72,220 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chelsea, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chelsea is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Chelsea, MA affordable?
Chelsea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.
Chelsea at a Glance
- Population
- 39,460
- Median Income
- $72,220
- Home Value
- $476,500
- Median Rent
- $1,859/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.8%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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