Cost of Living in Lawrence, MA
Population 88,297 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Lawrence cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $394,000, rents near $1,569 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 9 miles east of Lowell, Lawrence falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Lowell's $395,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lawrence
The median home value in Lawrence is $393,500 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,569/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,903/year is 22% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, Lawrence has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 35 | 38 | 45 | 58 | 69 | 77 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 28 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 62 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 25 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.44 | 3.42 | 3.60 | 3.39 | 3.99 | 3.48 | 3.04 | 3.75 | 4.10 | 3.52 | 3.32 |
💨 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 Lawrence, MA?
Lawrence has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lawrence, MA?
The median gross rent in Lawrence is $1,569 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lawrence?
The median home value in Lawrence is $393,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lawrence?
The median household income in Lawrence is $57,903 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lawrence, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lawrence is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Lawrence, MA affordable?
Lawrence is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lawrence?
Lawrence has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lawrence at a Glance
- Population
- 88,297
- Median Income
- $57,903
- Home Value
- $393,500
- Median Rent
- $1,569/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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