Cost of Living in Rochester, MA
Population 5,770 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rochester 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Rochester sits roughly 9 miles northeast of New Bedford — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 67% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rochester
The median home value in Rochester is $541,600 — 78% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,442/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,239/year is 60% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 59.8°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Rochester has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% more expensive.
Rochester has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 38 | 40 | 46 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 63 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 27 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.83 | 2.96 | 4.95 | 4.40 | 3.54 | 3.80 | 3.35 | 3.46 | 3.82 | 4.81 | 4.48 | 4.59 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MA?
Rochester has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.
What is average rent in Rochester, MA?
The median gross rent in Rochester is $1,442 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $541,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester is $119,239 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rochester, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochester is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Rochester, MA affordable?
Rochester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester has average high temperatures of 59.8°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 48". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rochester at a Glance
- Population
- 5,770
- Median Income
- $119,239
- Home Value
- $541,600
- Median Rent
- $1,442/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs