Cost of Living in Plainville, MA

Population 9,872 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

149
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 Plainville a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $461,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Plainville sits roughly 14 miles northeast of Providence — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Providence's $323,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 151
Rent 145

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

About the Cost of Living in Plainville

The median home value in Plainville is $461,200 — 51% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,901/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,625/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.5%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Plainville has a cost of living index of 149 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$461,200
51% above avg
Median Rent
$1,901/mo
45% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$2,263
1 BR
$2,394
2 BR
$2,837
3 BR
$3,418
4 BR
$3,761
Owner-occupied 64.5%
Renter-occupied 35.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,901
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,515/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
28.7 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.2%
Carpooled
2.8%
Public transit
2.0%
Walked
0.3%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
11.7%

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
$95,625
28% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,109
Unemployment Rate
8.5%
77% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Labor Force Participation
55.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.3%
Graduate degree 16.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.6
Male median age 39
Female median age 47.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
43.1°F
Annual Precip
47.5"
Annual Snowfall
36.6"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384148596978848275645343
Low °F 222430404959656457453628
Precip" 3.963.444.904.293.373.812.913.594.174.184.274.65
Snow" 10.310.56.40.60.00.00.00.00.00.21.07.6

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Plainville, MA?

Plainville has a cost index of 149 (100 = national average). It is 49% above the national average.

What is average rent in Plainville, MA?

The median gross rent in Plainville is $1,901 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Plainville?

The median home value in Plainville is $461,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Plainville?

The median household income in Plainville is $95,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Plainville, MA?

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

Is Plainville, MA affordable?

Plainville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 149 — about 49% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Plainville?

Plainville has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Plainville at a Glance

Population
9,872
Median Income
$95,625
Home Value
$461,200
Median Rent
$1,901/mo
Unemployment
8.5%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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