Cost of Living in Somerville, MA
Population 80,549 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Somerville's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $899,000 for a typical home, 195% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $127,056 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Somerville is part of the immediate Cambridge metro area. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Somerville
The median home value in Somerville is $899,400 — 195% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,468/month, 88% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $127,056/year is 70% 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%. Overall, Somerville has a cost of living index of 252 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 152% more expensive.
🏠 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Somerville, MA?
Somerville has a cost index of 252 (100 = national average). It is 152% above the national average.
What is average rent in Somerville, MA?
The median gross rent in Somerville is $2,468 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Somerville?
The median home value in Somerville is $899,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Somerville?
The median household income in Somerville is $127,056 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Somerville, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Somerville is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Somerville, MA affordable?
Somerville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 252 — about 152% higher than the national average.
Somerville at a Glance
- Population
- 80,549
- Median Income
- $127,056
- Home Value
- $899,400
- Median Rent
- $2,468/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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