Cost of Living in Montague, MA

Population 8,501 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

88
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Montague is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 9000 residents, where median household incomes of $72,344 and housing costs ($262,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Montague is about 30 miles north of Springfield, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 18% higher than Springfield's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 86
Rent 92

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

About the Cost of Living in Montague

The median home value in Montague is $262,100 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,208/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,344/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 59.3°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, Montague has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$262,100
14% below avg
Median Rent
$1,208/mo
8% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,071
1 BR
$1,191
2 BR
$1,562
3 BR
$1,882
4 BR
$2,100
Owner-occupied 61.0%
Renter-occupied 39.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,208
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,822/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
22.4 min
17% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.4%
Carpooled
16.0%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
2.1%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
12.8%

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
$72,344
3% below avg
Per Capita Income
$36,649
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
27% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Labor Force Participation
57.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.2%
Graduate degree 17.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.3
Male median age 44.3
Female median age 44.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.3°F
Avg Low
37.2°F
Annual Precip
42.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333745597079848274625039
Low °F 141524344655605951393021
Precip" 2.712.343.383.443.244.143.763.874.294.223.373.40

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Montague, MA?

Montague has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.

What is average rent in Montague, MA?

The median gross rent in Montague is $1,208 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Montague?

The median home value in Montague is $262,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Montague?

The median household income in Montague is $72,344 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Montague, MA?

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

Is Montague, MA affordable?

Yes, Montague is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Montague?

Montague has average high temperatures of 59.3°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 42.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Montague at a Glance

Population
8,501
Median Income
$72,344
Home Value
$262,100
Median Rent
$1,208/mo
Unemployment
6.1%
Avg High Temp
59.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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