Cost of Living in Marlborough, MA
Population 41,398 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Marlborough lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $485,000 — 59% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Massachusetts.
Marlborough sits roughly 14 miles east of Worcester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Marlborough
The median home value in Marlborough is $485,400 — 59% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,721/month, 31% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,047/year is 27% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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%. Overall, Marlborough has a cost of living index of 148 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 Marlborough, MA?
Marlborough has a cost index of 148 (100 = national average). It is 48% above the national average.
What is average rent in Marlborough, MA?
The median gross rent in Marlborough is $1,721 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Marlborough?
The median home value in Marlborough is $485,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Marlborough?
The median household income in Marlborough is $95,047 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Marlborough, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marlborough is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Marlborough, MA affordable?
Marlborough is above average in cost of living, with an index of 148 — about 48% higher than the national average.
Marlborough at a Glance
- Population
- 41,398
- Median Income
- $95,047
- Home Value
- $485,400
- Median Rent
- $1,721/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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