Cost of Living in Northbridge, MA
Population 16,358 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Northbridge a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $430,000. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 12 miles southeast of Worcester, Northbridge falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 27% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Northbridge
The median home value in Northbridge is $429,600 — 41% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,248/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,355/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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, Northbridge has a cost of living index of 123 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Northbridge, MA?
Northbridge has a cost index of 123 (100 = national average). It is 23% above the national average.
What is average rent in Northbridge, MA?
The median gross rent in Northbridge is $1,248 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Northbridge?
The median home value in Northbridge is $429,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Northbridge?
The median household income in Northbridge is $103,355 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Northbridge, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Northbridge is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Northbridge, MA affordable?
Northbridge is above average in cost of living, with an index of 123 — about 23% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Northbridge?
Northbridge 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.
Northbridge at a Glance
- Population
- 16,358
- Median Income
- $103,355
- Home Value
- $429,600
- Median Rent
- $1,248/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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