Cost of Living in Holden, MA

Population 19,885 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

130
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Holden is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 20000 residents, where median household incomes of $142,880 and housing costs ($433,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Holden sits roughly 7 miles northwest of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 142
Rent 113

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Holden

The median home value in Holden is $433,300 — 42% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,484/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $142,880/year is 92% 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 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Holden has a cost of living index of 130 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$433,300
42% above avg
Median Rent
$1,484/mo
13% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,438
2 BR
$1,854
3 BR
$2,265
4 BR
$2,493
Owner-occupied 85.0%
Renter-occupied 15.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,484
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,098/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.6 min
2% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.5%
Carpooled
4.2%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
16.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$142,880
92% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,028
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
Labor Force Participation
52.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.7%
Graduate degree 27.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.6
Male median age 40.5
Female median age 43.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.7°F
Avg Low
39.6°F
Annual Precip
48.3"
Annual Snowfall
72.9"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323543566775807871594838
Low °F 171926374756626153423323
Precip" 3.523.264.194.083.564.223.934.144.244.844.004.28
Snow" 18.221.213.71.90.00.00.00.00.01.11.914.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Holden, MA?

Holden has a cost index of 130 (100 = national average). It is 30% above the national average.

What is average rent in Holden, MA?

The median gross rent in Holden is $1,484 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Holden?

The median home value in Holden is $433,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Holden?

The median household income in Holden is $142,880 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Holden, MA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Holden is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.

Is Holden, MA affordable?

Holden is above average in cost of living, with an index of 130 — about 30% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Holden?

Holden has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3". Average annual snowfall is 72.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Holden at a Glance

Population
19,885
Median Income
$142,880
Home Value
$433,300
Median Rent
$1,484/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Avg High Temp
56.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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