Cost of Living in Norwell, MA
Population 11,309 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Norwell run well above the national baseline, with a median of $800,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $182,637 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 12 miles southeast of Quincy, Norwell falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Quincy's $598,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Norwell
The median home value in Norwell is $799,600 — 162% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,181/month, 66% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $182,637/year is 145% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, 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 58.4°F and lows of 41.0°F, with about 69.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Norwell has a cost of living index of 224 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 124% 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 | 37 | 45 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 82 | 80 | 72 | 61 | 50 | 40 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 4.46 | 3.97 | 5.43 | 4.61 | 3.80 | 4.57 | 3.42 | 3.85 | 4.22 | 5.29 | 4.32 | 5.33 |
| Snow" | 18.2 | 21.2 | 12.8 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 12.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Norwell, MA?
Norwell has a cost index of 224 (100 = national average). It is 124% above the national average.
What is average rent in Norwell, MA?
The median gross rent in Norwell is $2,181 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Norwell?
The median home value in Norwell is $799,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Norwell?
The median household income in Norwell is $182,637 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Norwell, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Norwell is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Norwell, MA affordable?
Norwell is above average in cost of living, with an index of 224 — about 124% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Norwell?
Norwell has average high temperatures of 58.4°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 53.3". Average annual snowfall is 69.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Norwell at a Glance
- Population
- 11,309
- Median Income
- $182,637
- Home Value
- $799,600
- Median Rent
- $2,181/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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