Cost of Living in Norwood, MA
Population 31,380 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Norwood run well above the national baseline, with a median of $614,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $97,110 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.
Located 11 miles west of Quincy, Norwood falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Quincy's $598,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Norwood
The median home value in Norwood is $613,500 — 101% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,056/month, 56% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,110/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Norwood has a cost of living index of 183 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 83% 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 | 40 | 42 | 49 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 41 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 2.80 | 3.72 | 3.96 | 3.30 | 3.92 | 3.03 | 3.63 | 3.82 | 4.54 | 3.69 | 4.09 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Norwood, MA?
Norwood has a cost index of 183 (100 = national average). It is 83% above the national average.
What is average rent in Norwood, MA?
The median gross rent in Norwood is $2,056 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Norwood?
The median home value in Norwood is $613,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Norwood?
The median household income in Norwood is $97,110 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Norwood, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Norwood is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Norwood, MA affordable?
Norwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 183 — about 83% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Norwood?
Norwood 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.
Norwood at a Glance
- Population
- 31,380
- Median Income
- $97,110
- Home Value
- $613,500
- Median Rent
- $2,056/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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