Cost of Living in Medford, MA
Population 59,062 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Medford run well above the national baseline, with a median of $716,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $118,089 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.
Geographically, Medford is part of the immediate Cambridge metro area. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Medford
The median home value in Medford is $715,500 — 135% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,477/month, 89% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $118,089/year is 58% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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, Medford has a cost of living index of 216 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 116% 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 Medford, MA?
Medford has a cost index of 216 (100 = national average). It is 116% above the national average.
What is average rent in Medford, MA?
The median gross rent in Medford is $2,477 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Medford?
The median home value in Medford is $715,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Medford?
The median household income in Medford is $118,089 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Medford, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Medford is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Medford, MA affordable?
Medford is above average in cost of living, with an index of 216 — about 116% higher than the national average.
Medford at a Glance
- Population
- 59,062
- Median Income
- $118,089
- Home Value
- $715,500
- Median Rent
- $2,477/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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