Cost of Living in Paxton, MA

Population 4,996 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

133
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Paxton a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $465,000.

Located 7 miles west of Worcester, Paxton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 37% higher than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 152
Rent 104

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Paxton

The median home value in Paxton is $464,700 — 52% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,364/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $133,750/year is 79% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Paxton has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$464,700
52% above avg
Median Rent
$1,364/mo
4% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,438
2 BR
$1,854
3 BR
$2,265
4 BR
$2,493
Owner-occupied 90.3%
Renter-occupied 9.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,364
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,978/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.0 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
21.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.9%
Carpooled
3.8%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
6.2%
Work from home
21.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$133,750
79% above avg
Per Capita Income
$54,061
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
31% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
Labor Force Participation
56.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.1%
Graduate degree 24.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.8
Male median age 36.7
Female median age 43.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.7°F
Avg Low
39.6°F
Annual Precip
48.3"
Annual Snowfall
72.9"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323543566775807871594838
Low °F 171926374756626153423323
Precip" 3.523.264.194.083.564.223.934.144.244.844.004.28
Snow" 18.221.213.71.90.00.00.00.00.01.11.914.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Paxton, MA?

Paxton has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.

What is average rent in Paxton, MA?

The median gross rent in Paxton is $1,364 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Paxton?

The median home value in Paxton is $464,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Paxton?

The median household income in Paxton is $133,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Paxton, MA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paxton is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.

Is Paxton, MA affordable?

Paxton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Paxton?

Paxton 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.

Paxton at a Glance

Population
4,996
Median Income
$133,750
Home Value
$464,700
Median Rent
$1,364/mo
Unemployment
3.3%
Avg High Temp
56.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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