Cost of Living in Merrimac, MA

Population 6,707 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

142
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Merrimac sits on the smaller end of the Massachusetts city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Merrimac sits roughly 20 miles northeast of Lowell — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Lowell's $395,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 174
Rent 94

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Merrimac

The median home value in Merrimac is $531,300 — 74% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,236/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,477/year is 56% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, Merrimac has a cost of living index of 142 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$531,300
74% above avg
Median Rent
$1,236/mo
6% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,346
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,365
4 BR
$2,603
Owner-occupied 79.0%
Renter-occupied 21.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,236
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,850/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.3 min
12% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
82.3%
Carpooled
3.8%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
9.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$116,477
56% above avg
Per Capita Income
$50,957
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
67% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
Labor Force Participation
55.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.1%
Graduate degree 10.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 48.6
Male median age 47.2
Female median age 52

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
40.9°F
Annual Precip
40.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353845586977838274625140
Low °F 192128384857636254433425
Precip" 2.862.443.423.603.393.993.483.043.754.103.523.32

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Merrimac, MA?

Merrimac has a cost index of 142 (100 = national average). It is 42% above the national average.

What is average rent in Merrimac, MA?

The median gross rent in Merrimac is $1,236 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Merrimac?

The median home value in Merrimac is $531,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Merrimac?

The median household income in Merrimac is $116,477 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Merrimac, MA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Merrimac is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.

Is Merrimac, MA affordable?

Merrimac is above average in cost of living, with an index of 142 — about 42% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Merrimac?

Merrimac has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Merrimac at a Glance

Population
6,707
Median Income
$116,477
Home Value
$531,300
Median Rent
$1,236/mo
Unemployment
1.6%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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