Cost of Living in Harvard, MA
Population 6,881 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Harvard's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $798,000 for a typical home, 162% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $200,688 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located 15 miles southwest of Lowell, Harvard falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 102% higher than Lowell's $395,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Harvard
The median home value in Harvard is $798,300 — 162% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,458/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $200,688/year is 169% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Harvard has a cost of living index of 201 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 101% more expensive.
Harvard 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 | 34 | 37 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 40 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.65 | 2.82 | 3.82 | 3.78 | 3.60 | 4.11 | 3.52 | 3.36 | 3.98 | 4.48 | 3.58 | 3.67 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Harvard, MA?
Harvard has a cost index of 201 (100 = national average). It is 101% above the national average.
What is average rent in Harvard, MA?
The median gross rent in Harvard is $1,458 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Harvard?
The median home value in Harvard is $798,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Harvard?
The median household income in Harvard is $200,688 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Harvard, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harvard is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Harvard, MA affordable?
Harvard is above average in cost of living, with an index of 201 — about 101% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Harvard?
Harvard has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Harvard at a Glance
- Population
- 6,881
- Median Income
- $200,688
- Home Value
- $798,300
- Median Rent
- $1,458/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°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