Cost of Living in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
Population 5,368 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Manchester-by-the-Sea sits 206% above the national median — $932,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $197,875 (165% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 12 miles northeast of Lynn, Manchester-by-the-Sea falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 97% higher than Lynn's $473,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Manchester-by-the-Sea
The median home value in Manchester-by-the-Sea is $932,000 — 206% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,872/month, 42% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $197,875/year is 165% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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 59.3°F and lows of 44.5°F, with about 49.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Manchester-by-the-Sea has a cost of living index of 240 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 140% more expensive.
Manchester-by-the-Sea has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 37 | 39 | 46 | 56 | 67 | 76 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 62 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 23 | 25 | 31 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 48 | 38 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.39 | 3.21 | 4.17 | 3.63 | 3.25 | 3.89 | 3.27 | 3.23 | 3.56 | 4.03 | 3.66 | 4.30 |
| Snow" | 14.3 | 14.4 | 9.0 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 9.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA?
Manchester-by-the-Sea has a cost index of 240 (100 = national average). It is 140% above the national average.
What is average rent in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA?
The median gross rent in Manchester-by-the-Sea is $1,872 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
The median home value in Manchester-by-the-Sea is $932,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
The median household income in Manchester-by-the-Sea is $197,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Manchester-by-the-Sea is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA affordable?
Manchester-by-the-Sea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 240 — about 140% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
Manchester-by-the-Sea has average high temperatures of 59.3°F and average lows of 44.5°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Average annual snowfall is 49.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Manchester-by-the-Sea at a Glance
- Population
- 5,368
- Median Income
- $197,875
- Home Value
- $932,000
- Median Rent
- $1,872/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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