Cost of Living in Needham, MA
Population 32,059 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Needham's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $1.1 million for a typical home, 276% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $212,241 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Needham sits roughly 9 miles southwest of Cambridge — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Needham
The median home value in Needham is $1,146,000 — 276% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,412/month, 84% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $212,241/year is 185% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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, Needham has a cost of living index of 299 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 199% 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 Needham, MA?
Needham has a cost index of 299 (100 = national average). It is 199% above the national average.
What is average rent in Needham, MA?
The median gross rent in Needham is $2,412 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Needham?
The median home value in Needham is $1,146,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Needham?
The median household income in Needham is $212,241 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Needham, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Needham is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Needham, MA affordable?
Needham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 299 — about 199% higher than the national average.
Needham at a Glance
- Population
- 32,059
- Median Income
- $212,241
- Home Value
- $1,146,000
- Median Rent
- $2,412/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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