Cost of Living in Rockland, MA

Population 17,709 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

135
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Rockland 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.

Located 7 miles east of Brockton, Rockland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Brockton's $406,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 148
Rent 114

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

About the Cost of Living in Rockland

The median home value in Rockland is $452,300 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,497/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,475/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 58.4°F and lows of 41.0°F, with about 69.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rockland has a cost of living index of 135 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$452,300
48% above avg
Median Rent
$1,497/mo
14% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,607
1 BR
$1,652
2 BR
$2,155
3 BR
$2,730
4 BR
$2,953
Owner-occupied 78.1%
Renter-occupied 21.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,497
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,111/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
29.8 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.2%
Carpooled
4.5%
Public transit
2.0%
Walked
1.8%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
11.8%

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
$101,475
36% above avg
Per Capita Income
$48,224
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
18% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Labor Force Participation
55.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.4%
Graduate degree 9.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.8
Male median age 38.4
Female median age 42.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.4°F
Avg Low
41.0°F
Annual Precip
53.3"
Annual Snowfall
69.3"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353745576776828072615040
Low °F 192128374756636255443426
Precip" 4.463.975.434.613.804.573.423.854.225.294.325.33
Snow" 18.221.212.81.80.00.00.00.00.00.81.712.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rockland, MA?

Rockland has a cost index of 135 (100 = national average). It is 35% above the national average.

What is average rent in Rockland, MA?

The median gross rent in Rockland is $1,497 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rockland?

The median home value in Rockland is $452,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Rockland?

The median household income in Rockland is $101,475 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rockland, MA?

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

Is Rockland, MA affordable?

Rockland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 135 — about 35% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Rockland?

Rockland has average high temperatures of 58.4°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 53.3". Average annual snowfall is 69.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rockland at a Glance

Population
17,709
Median Income
$101,475
Home Value
$452,300
Median Rent
$1,497/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
58.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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