Cost of Living in Gardner, MA
Population 21,075 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Gardner a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $271,000.
Located 25 miles northwest of Worcester, Gardner falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gardner
The median home value in Gardner is $271,300 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,071/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,948/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, 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%. Overall, Gardner has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% less 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 Gardner, MA?
Gardner has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gardner, MA?
The median gross rent in Gardner is $1,071 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gardner?
The median home value in Gardner is $271,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gardner?
The median household income in Gardner is $62,948 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gardner, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gardner is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Gardner, MA affordable?
Yes, Gardner is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
Gardner at a Glance
- Population
- 21,075
- Median Income
- $62,948
- Home Value
- $271,300
- Median Rent
- $1,071/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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