Cost of Living in Cheshire, MA
Population 3,234 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Cheshire is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $72,028 and housing costs ($237,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Cheshire is about 35 miles east of Albany, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Albany's $223,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cheshire
The median home value in Cheshire is $237,000 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,309/month, equal to than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,028/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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 57.6°F and lows of 36.3°F. Overall, Cheshire has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less expensive.
Cheshire has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 44 | 57 | 69 | 76 | 81 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 14 | 16 | 24 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 58 | 56 | 49 | 38 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.52 | 1.97 | 3.08 | 3.12 | 3.73 | 4.41 | 4.13 | 4.47 | 4.22 | 4.28 | 3.25 | 3.12 |
💨 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 Cheshire, MA?
Cheshire has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cheshire, MA?
The median gross rent in Cheshire is $1,309 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cheshire?
The median home value in Cheshire is $237,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Cheshire?
The median household income in Cheshire is $72,028 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cheshire, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cheshire is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Cheshire, MA affordable?
Yes, Cheshire is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Cheshire?
Cheshire has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 36.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cheshire at a Glance
- Population
- 3,234
- Median Income
- $72,028
- Home Value
- $237,000
- Median Rent
- $1,309/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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