Cost of Living in Lincoln, MA

Population 6,946 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

307
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Lincoln run well above the national baseline, with a median of $1.2 million, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $180,750 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros. An unemployment rate of 0.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 10 miles west of Cambridge, Lincoln falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than Cambridge's $1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 387
Rent 187

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

About the Cost of Living in Lincoln

The median home value in Lincoln is $1,180,100 — 287% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,455/month, 87% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $180,750/year is 142% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 39.7°F. Overall, Lincoln has a cost of living index of 307 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 207% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,180,100
287% above avg
Median Rent
$2,455/mo
87% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
40.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$2,263
1 BR
$2,394
2 BR
$2,837
3 BR
$3,418
4 BR
$3,761
Owner-occupied 62.5%
Renter-occupied 37.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,455
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,069/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
25.5 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.5%
Carpooled
0.7%
Public transit
2.6%
Walked
0.1%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
28.2%

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
$180,750
142% above avg
Per Capita Income
$107,437
Unemployment Rate
0.7%
86% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Labor Force Participation
44.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 28.0%
Graduate degree 50.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.2
Male median age 41.4
Female median age 43.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.3°F
Avg Low
39.7°F
Annual Precip
42.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373948607079858476645242
Low °F 181927374756626052413224
Precip" 2.902.693.853.843.363.723.513.473.544.243.723.76

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lincoln, MA?

Lincoln has a cost index of 307 (100 = national average). It is 207% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lincoln, MA?

The median gross rent in Lincoln is $2,455 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lincoln?

The median home value in Lincoln is $1,180,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lincoln?

The median household income in Lincoln is $180,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lincoln, MA?

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

Is Lincoln, MA affordable?

Lincoln is above average in cost of living, with an index of 307 — about 207% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lincoln?

Lincoln has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lincoln at a Glance

Population
6,946
Median Income
$180,750
Home Value
$1,180,100
Median Rent
$2,455/mo
Unemployment
0.7%
Avg High Temp
61.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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