Cost of Living in Northborough, MA
Population 15,694 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Northborough run well above the national baseline, with a median of $599,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $174,358 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.
Geographically, Northborough sits roughly 9 miles east of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 76% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Northborough
The median home value in Northborough is $598,500 — 96% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,087/month, 59% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $174,358/year is 134% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Northborough has a cost of living index of 181 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 81% 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 | 32 | 35 | 43 | 56 | 67 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 71 | 59 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 17 | 19 | 26 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip" | 3.52 | 3.26 | 4.19 | 4.08 | 3.56 | 4.22 | 3.93 | 4.14 | 4.24 | 4.84 | 4.00 | 4.28 |
| Snow" | 18.2 | 21.2 | 13.7 | 1.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 14.9 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Northborough, MA?
Northborough has a cost index of 181 (100 = national average). It is 81% above the national average.
What is average rent in Northborough, MA?
The median gross rent in Northborough is $2,087 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Northborough?
The median home value in Northborough is $598,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Northborough?
The median household income in Northborough is $174,358 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Northborough, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Northborough is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Northborough, MA affordable?
Northborough is above average in cost of living, with an index of 181 — about 81% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Northborough?
Northborough has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3". Average annual snowfall is 72.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Northborough at a Glance
- Population
- 15,694
- Median Income
- $174,358
- Home Value
- $598,500
- Median Rent
- $2,087/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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