Cost of Living in Framingham, MA
Population 72,013 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Framingham sits 97% above the national median — $601,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $98,179 (32% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Geographically, Framingham sits roughly 15 miles west of Cambridge. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Framingham
The median home value in Framingham is $600,600 — 97% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,853/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,179/year is 32% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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%. Overall, Framingham has a cost of living index of 175 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 75% 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 Framingham, MA?
Framingham has a cost index of 175 (100 = national average). It is 75% above the national average.
What is average rent in Framingham, MA?
The median gross rent in Framingham is $1,853 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Framingham?
The median home value in Framingham is $600,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Framingham?
The median household income in Framingham is $98,179 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Framingham, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Framingham is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Framingham, MA affordable?
Framingham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 175 — about 75% higher than the national average.
Framingham at a Glance
- Population
- 72,013
- Median Income
- $98,179
- Home Value
- $600,600
- Median Rent
- $1,853/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- 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