Cost of Living in Leicester, MA
Population 11,076 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Leicester a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $378,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Leicester sits roughly 6 miles west of Worcester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Leicester
The median home value in Leicester is $377,800 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,211/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,776/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, below 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, Leicester has a cost of living index of 111 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% 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 | 32 | 35 | 43 | 56 | 67 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 71 | 59 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 17 | 19 | 26 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip" | 3.52 | 3.26 | 4.19 | 4.08 | 3.56 | 4.22 | 3.93 | 4.14 | 4.24 | 4.84 | 4.00 | 4.28 |
| Snow" | 18.2 | 21.2 | 13.7 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 14.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Leicester, MA?
Leicester has a cost index of 111 (100 = national average). It is 11% above the national average.
What is average rent in Leicester, MA?
The median gross rent in Leicester is $1,211 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Leicester?
The median home value in Leicester is $377,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Leicester?
The median household income in Leicester is $95,776 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Leicester, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Leicester is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Leicester, MA affordable?
Leicester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 111 — about 11% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Leicester?
Leicester 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.
Leicester at a Glance
- Population
- 11,076
- Median Income
- $95,776
- Home Value
- $377,800
- Median Rent
- $1,211/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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