Cost of Living in Dalton, MA
Population 6,304 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Dalton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $289,000. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Dalton is about 35 miles east of Albany, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dalton
The median home value in Dalton is $289,300 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $830/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,168/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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 55.8°F and lows of 36.3°F. Overall, Dalton has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.
Dalton 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 | 30 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 75 | 79 | 78 | 70 | 58 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 14 | 15 | 23 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 58 | 57 | 49 | 39 | 29 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.67 | 2.52 | 3.08 | 3.38 | 3.79 | 4.58 | 4.18 | 3.82 | 4.50 | 4.56 | 3.52 | 3.63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dalton, MA?
Dalton has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dalton, MA?
The median gross rent in Dalton is $830 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dalton?
The median home value in Dalton is $289,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Dalton?
The median household income in Dalton is $81,168 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dalton, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dalton is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Dalton, MA affordable?
Yes, Dalton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Dalton?
Dalton has average high temperatures of 55.8°F and average lows of 36.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dalton at a Glance
- Population
- 6,304
- Median Income
- $81,168
- Home Value
- $289,300
- Median Rent
- $830/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs