Cost of Living in Monson, MA

Population 8,126 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

89
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Monson is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $84,067 and housing costs ($316,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 9.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Monson sits roughly 11 miles east of Springfield. Median home values run roughly 42% higher than Springfield's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 103
Rent 67

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

About the Cost of Living in Monson

The median home value in Monson is $315,500 — 3% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $874/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,067/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 51.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Monson has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$315,500
3% above avg
Median Rent
$874/mo
33% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,044
1 BR
$1,205
2 BR
$1,496
3 BR
$1,823
4 BR
$2,037
Owner-occupied 83.5%
Renter-occupied 16.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$874
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,488/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
35.6 min
32% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.1%
Carpooled
5.2%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.3%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
11.7%

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
$84,067
13% above avg
Per Capita Income
$46,000
Unemployment Rate
9.4%
96% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Labor Force Participation
55.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.3%
Graduate degree 8.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.3
Male median age 47.2
Female median age 51

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
40.9°F
Annual Precip
47"
Annual Snowfall
51.7"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353947617280858376645241
Low °F 192128384858636254423325
Precip" 3.283.133.813.883.794.284.174.214.394.523.514.08
Snow" 14.214.89.41.10.00.00.00.00.00.71.410.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Monson, MA?

Monson has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.

What is average rent in Monson, MA?

The median gross rent in Monson is $874 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Monson?

The median home value in Monson is $315,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Monson?

The median household income in Monson is $84,067 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Monson, MA?

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

Is Monson, MA affordable?

Yes, Monson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Monson?

Monson has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 47". Average annual snowfall is 51.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Monson at a Glance

Population
8,126
Median Income
$84,067
Home Value
$315,500
Median Rent
$874/mo
Unemployment
9.4%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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