Cost of Living in Marblehead, MA
Population 20,334 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Marblehead sits 197% above the national median — $906,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $165,859 (122% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 7 miles east of Lynn, Marblehead falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 92% higher than Lynn's $473,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Marblehead
The median home value in Marblehead is $906,200 — 197% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,769/month, 35% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $165,859/year is 122% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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%. Overall, Marblehead has a cost of living index of 232 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 132% 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
💨 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 Marblehead, MA?
Marblehead has a cost index of 232 (100 = national average). It is 132% above the national average.
What is average rent in Marblehead, MA?
The median gross rent in Marblehead is $1,769 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Marblehead?
The median home value in Marblehead is $906,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Marblehead?
The median household income in Marblehead is $165,859 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Marblehead, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marblehead is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Marblehead, MA affordable?
Marblehead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 232 — about 132% higher than the national average.
Marblehead at a Glance
- Population
- 20,334
- Median Income
- $165,859
- Home Value
- $906,200
- Median Rent
- $1,769/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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