Cost of Living in North Reading, MA
Population 15,634 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in North Reading run well above the national baseline, with a median of $680,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $150,820 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.
Located 9 miles northwest of Lynn, North Reading falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 44% higher than Lynn's $473,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in North Reading
The median home value in North Reading is $680,000 — 123% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,253/month, 71% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $150,820/year is 102% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, North Reading has a cost of living index of 202 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 102% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 35 | 38 | 45 | 58 | 69 | 77 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 28 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 62 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 25 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.44 | 3.42 | 3.60 | 3.39 | 3.99 | 3.48 | 3.04 | 3.75 | 4.10 | 3.52 | 3.32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Reading, MA?
North Reading has a cost index of 202 (100 = national average). It is 102% above the national average.
What is average rent in North Reading, MA?
The median gross rent in North Reading is $2,253 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in North Reading?
The median home value in North Reading is $680,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in North Reading?
The median household income in North Reading is $150,820 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in North Reading, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Reading is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is North Reading, MA affordable?
North Reading is above average in cost of living, with an index of 202 — about 102% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in North Reading?
North Reading 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.
North Reading at a Glance
- Population
- 15,634
- Median Income
- $150,820
- Home Value
- $680,000
- Median Rent
- $2,253/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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