Cost of Living in Rockport, MA

Population 4,795 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

193
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Rockport sits 128% above the national median — $694,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $86,250 (16% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 8.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 20 miles northeast of Lynn, Rockport falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 47% higher than Lynn's $473,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 228
Rent 141

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

About the Cost of Living in Rockport

The median home value in Rockport is $694,300 — 128% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,848/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,250/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.8%, 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%. Overall, Rockport has a cost of living index of 193 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 93% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$694,300
128% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$479,826
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,848/mo
41% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
31.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,405
4 BR
$2,811
Owner-occupied 68.8%
Renter-occupied 31.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,848
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,462/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
28.0 min
4% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.8%
Carpooled
3.0%
Public transit
2.6%
Walked
4.4%
Work from home
23.9%

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
$86,250
16% above avg
Per Capita Income
$60,776
Unemployment Rate
8.8%
84% above avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Labor Force Participation
55.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.3%
Graduate degree 29.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 61.5
Male median age 60.8
Female median age 61.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
66.6%
Good air days/yr
105
Max AQI recorded
204
PM2.5 days
160
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
9.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
851
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rockport, MA?

Rockport has a cost index of 193 (100 = national average). It is 93% above the national average.

What is average rent in Rockport, MA?

The median gross rent in Rockport is $1,848 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rockport?

The median home value in Rockport is $694,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rockport?

The median household income in Rockport is $86,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rockport, MA?

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

Is Rockport, MA affordable?

Rockport is above average in cost of living, with an index of 193 — about 93% higher than the national average.