Cost of Living in Princeton, MA

Population 3,500 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

126
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Princeton sits on the smaller end of the Massachusetts city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Princeton sits roughly 13 miles north of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 46% higher than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 163
Rent 70

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

About the Cost of Living in Princeton

The median home value in Princeton is $496,400 — 63% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $921/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $150,577/year is 102% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.3%, 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 59.5°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Princeton has a cost of living index of 126 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$496,400
63% above avg
Median Rent
$921/mo
30% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
44.9x
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 95.3%
Renter-occupied 4.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$921
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,535/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
34.5 min
28% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
25.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.3%
Carpooled
3.5%
Public transit
2.1%
Walked
2.1%
Bicycle
1.1%
Work from home
25.4%

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
$150,577
102% above avg
Per Capita Income
$73,647
Unemployment Rate
1.3%
73% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Labor Force Participation
56.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.5%
Graduate degree 26.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 48.9
Male median age 50.4
Female median age 45.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
38.3°F
Annual Precip
43.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343745587078838274625040
Low °F 161725354656626051403022
Precip" 2.652.823.823.783.604.113.523.363.984.483.583.67

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Princeton, MA?

Princeton has a cost index of 126 (100 = national average). It is 26% above the national average.

What is average rent in Princeton, MA?

The median gross rent in Princeton is $921 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Princeton?

The median home value in Princeton is $496,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Princeton?

The median household income in Princeton is $150,577 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Princeton, MA?

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

Is Princeton, MA affordable?

Princeton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 126 — about 26% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Princeton?

Princeton has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Princeton at a Glance

Population
3,500
Median Income
$150,577
Home Value
$496,400
Median Rent
$921/mo
Unemployment
1.3%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Massachusetts

Explore county-level cost of living data

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