Cost of Living in Methuen Town, MA

Population 53,043 · 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

Most of Methuen Town's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $103,270 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Methuen Town sits roughly 10 miles northeast of Lowell. Median home values run roughly 20% higher than Lowell's $395,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 155
Rent 123

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

About the Cost of Living in Methuen Town

The median home value in Methuen Town is $472,200 — 55% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,610/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,270/year is 38% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, Methuen Town has a cost of living index of 142 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$472,200
55% above avg
Median Rent
$1,610/mo
23% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,405
4 BR
$2,811
Owner-occupied 72.7%
Renter-occupied 27.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,610
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,224/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
31.1 min
15% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.9%
Carpooled
8.8%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
10.8%

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
$103,270
38% above avg
Per Capita Income
$44,678
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
31% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
69.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.0%
Graduate degree 10.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.5
Male median age 40
Female median age 40.9

🌤 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

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
66.6%
Good air days/yr
105
Max AQI recorded
204
PM2.5 days
160
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Methuen Town, MA?

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

What is average rent in Methuen Town, MA?

The median gross rent in Methuen Town is $1,610 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Methuen Town?

The median home value in Methuen Town is $472,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Methuen Town?

The median household income in Methuen Town is $103,270 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Methuen Town, MA?

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

Is Methuen Town, MA affordable?

Methuen Town 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 Methuen Town?

Methuen Town 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.

Methuen Town at a Glance

Population
53,043
Median Income
$103,270
Home Value
$472,200
Median Rent
$1,610/mo
Unemployment
6.3%
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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