Cost of Living in Gloucester, MA
Population 29,862 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Gloucester sits 93% above the national median — $588,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $87,898 (18% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Gloucester sits roughly 20 miles northeast of Lynn. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Lynn's $473,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gloucester
The median home value in Gloucester is $587,800 — 93% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,395/month, 6% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,898/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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, Gloucester has a cost of living index of 158 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% 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 Gloucester, MA?
Gloucester has a cost index of 158 (100 = national average). It is 58% above the national average.
What is average rent in Gloucester, MA?
The median gross rent in Gloucester is $1,395 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gloucester?
The median home value in Gloucester is $587,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gloucester?
The median household income in Gloucester is $87,898 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gloucester, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gloucester is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Gloucester, MA affordable?
Gloucester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 158 — about 58% higher than the national average.
Gloucester at a Glance
- Population
- 29,862
- Median Income
- $87,898
- Home Value
- $587,800
- Median Rent
- $1,395/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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