Cost of Living in Ludlow, MA

Population 20,846 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

98
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Ludlow a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $304,000.

Ludlow sits roughly 6 miles northeast of Springfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 36% higher than Springfield's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 100
Rent 95

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

About the Cost of Living in Ludlow

The median home value in Ludlow is $303,900 — equal to the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,250/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,981/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 60.6°F and lows of 38.1°F. Overall, Ludlow has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$303,900
0% below avg
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
5% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,044
1 BR
$1,205
2 BR
$1,496
3 BR
$1,823
4 BR
$2,037
Owner-occupied 74.4%
Renter-occupied 25.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,250
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,864/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
21.8 min
19% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.3%
Carpooled
8.2%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
1.0%
Work from home
12.2%

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
$78,981
6% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,015
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
12% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Labor Force Participation
53.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.5%
Graduate degree 7.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.3
Male median age 43
Female median age 45.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.6°F
Avg Low
38.1°F
Annual Precip
45.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353847607280858375635140
Low °F 161726354655615951393022
Precip" 2.752.603.434.063.714.374.153.724.604.723.473.58

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ludlow, MA?

Ludlow has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ludlow, MA?

The median gross rent in Ludlow is $1,250 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ludlow?

The median home value in Ludlow is $303,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Ludlow?

The median household income in Ludlow is $78,981 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ludlow, MA?

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

Is Ludlow, MA affordable?

Ludlow is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Ludlow?

Ludlow has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 38.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ludlow at a Glance

Population
20,846
Median Income
$78,981
Home Value
$303,900
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
Unemployment
4.2%
Avg High Temp
60.6°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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