Cost of Living in Sheffield, MA

Population 3,328 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

114
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Sheffield is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $83,889 and housing costs ($401,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Sheffield is about 40 miles northwest of Waterbury, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 116% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 131
Rent 88

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

About the Cost of Living in Sheffield

The median home value in Sheffield is $400,700 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,162/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,889/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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 37.8°F. Overall, Sheffield has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$400,700
31% above avg
Median Rent
$1,162/mo
12% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.7x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,148
1 BR
$1,276
2 BR
$1,674
3 BR
$2,028
4 BR
$2,811
Owner-occupied 76.3%
Renter-occupied 23.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,162
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,776/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
20.0 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.0%
Carpooled
7.9%
Public transit
2.5%
Walked
4.3%
Work from home
8.0%

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
$83,889
12% above avg
Per Capita Income
$63,234
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
16% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Labor Force Participation
67.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.4%
Graduate degree 22.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 53
Male median age 54.4
Female median age 51.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
37.8°F
Annual Precip
45.8"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353847607078838074625040
Low °F 161826354654595850393123
Precip" 3.313.073.683.493.454.063.784.594.614.203.464.05

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sheffield, MA?

Sheffield has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.

What is average rent in Sheffield, MA?

The median gross rent in Sheffield is $1,162 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Sheffield?

The median home value in Sheffield is $400,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Sheffield?

The median household income in Sheffield is $83,889 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Sheffield, MA?

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

Is Sheffield, MA affordable?

Sheffield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Sheffield?

Sheffield has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 37.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Sheffield at a Glance

Population
3,328
Median Income
$83,889
Home Value
$400,700
Median Rent
$1,162/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
59.5°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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