Cost of Living in Melrose, MA
Population 29,488 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Melrose sits 161% above the national median — $796,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $126,854 (70% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 5 miles west of Lynn, Melrose falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 68% higher than Lynn's $473,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Melrose
The median home value in Melrose is $796,100 — 161% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,933/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $126,854/year is 70% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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, Melrose has a cost of living index of 215 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 115% 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 Melrose, MA?
Melrose has a cost index of 215 (100 = national average). It is 115% above the national average.
What is average rent in Melrose, MA?
The median gross rent in Melrose is $1,933 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Melrose?
The median home value in Melrose is $796,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Melrose?
The median household income in Melrose is $126,854 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Melrose, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Melrose is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Melrose, MA affordable?
Melrose is above average in cost of living, with an index of 215 — about 115% higher than the national average.
Melrose at a Glance
- Population
- 29,488
- Median Income
- $126,854
- Home Value
- $796,100
- Median Rent
- $1,933/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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