Cost of Living in Norfolk, MA

Population 11,556 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

191
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Norfolk sits 128% above the national median — $694,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $197,379 (165% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Norfolk sits roughly 15 miles west of Brockton — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 71% higher than Brockton's $406,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 228
Rent 136

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

About the Cost of Living in Norfolk

The median home value in Norfolk is $694,300 — 128% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,791/month, 36% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $197,379/year is 165% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 62.9°F and lows of 41.0°F. Overall, Norfolk has a cost of living index of 191 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 91% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$694,300
128% above avg
Median Rent
$1,791/mo
36% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$2,263
1 BR
$2,394
2 BR
$2,837
3 BR
$3,418
4 BR
$3,761
Owner-occupied 95.1%
Renter-occupied 4.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,791
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,405/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
38.8 min
44% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
59.9%
Carpooled
2.8%
Public transit
5.3%
Walked
0.2%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
31.0%

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
$197,379
165% above avg
Per Capita Income
$70,548
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
3% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Labor Force Participation
45.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.5%
Graduate degree 25.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.1
Male median age 41
Female median age 41.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.9°F
Avg Low
41.0°F
Annual Precip
43.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404249617180868477665544
Low °F 212230394857636152413426
Precip" 3.412.803.723.963.303.923.033.633.824.543.694.09

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Norfolk, MA?

Norfolk has a cost index of 191 (100 = national average). It is 91% above the national average.

What is average rent in Norfolk, MA?

The median gross rent in Norfolk is $1,791 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Norfolk?

The median home value in Norfolk is $694,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Norfolk?

The median household income in Norfolk is $197,379 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Norfolk, MA?

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

Is Norfolk, MA affordable?

Norfolk is above average in cost of living, with an index of 191 — about 91% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Norfolk?

Norfolk has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Norfolk at a Glance

Population
11,556
Median Income
$197,379
Home Value
$694,300
Median Rent
$1,791/mo
Unemployment
4.7%
Avg High Temp
62.9°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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