Cost of Living in Shirley, MA
Population 7,017 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Shirley 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 15 miles west of Lowell, Shirley falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Lowell's $395,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shirley
The median home value in Shirley is $412,700 — 35% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,189/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $121,875/year is 63% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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, Shirley has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.
Shirley 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 | 34 | 37 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 40 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.65 | 2.82 | 3.82 | 3.78 | 3.60 | 4.11 | 3.52 | 3.36 | 3.98 | 4.48 | 3.58 | 3.67 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shirley, MA?
Shirley has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.
What is average rent in Shirley, MA?
The median gross rent in Shirley is $1,189 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley is $412,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Shirley?
The median household income in Shirley is $121,875 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shirley, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shirley is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Shirley, MA affordable?
Shirley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Shirley?
Shirley 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.
Shirley at a Glance
- Population
- 7,017
- Median Income
- $121,875
- Home Value
- $412,700
- Median Rent
- $1,189/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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