Cost of Living in Southborough, MA

Population 10,441 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

228
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Southborough's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $797,000 for a typical home, 161% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $192,006 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Geographically, Southborough sits roughly 14 miles east of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 135% higher than Worcester's $340,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 261
Rent 178

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

About the Cost of Living in Southborough

The median home value in Southborough is $796,700 — 161% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,343/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $192,006/year is 157% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Southborough has a cost of living index of 228 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 128% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$796,700
161% above avg
Median Rent
$2,343/mo
78% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,438
2 BR
$1,854
3 BR
$2,265
4 BR
$2,493
Owner-occupied 89.2%
Renter-occupied 10.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,343
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,957/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
32.3 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
28.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
62.4%
Carpooled
3.2%
Public transit
3.3%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
28.7%

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
$192,006
157% above avg
Per Capita Income
$96,260
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
15% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Labor Force Participation
56.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.6%
Graduate degree 42.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.7
Male median age 43.8
Female median age 41.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.7°F
Avg Low
39.6°F
Annual Precip
48.3"
Annual Snowfall
72.9"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323543566775807871594838
Low °F 171926374756626153423323
Precip" 3.523.264.194.083.564.223.934.144.244.844.004.28
Snow" 18.221.213.71.90.00.00.00.00.01.11.914.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Southborough, MA?

Southborough has a cost index of 228 (100 = national average). It is 128% above the national average.

What is average rent in Southborough, MA?

The median gross rent in Southborough is $2,343 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Southborough?

The median home value in Southborough is $796,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Southborough?

The median household income in Southborough is $192,006 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Southborough, MA?

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

Is Southborough, MA affordable?

Southborough is above average in cost of living, with an index of 228 — about 128% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Southborough?

Southborough has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3". Average annual snowfall is 72.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Southborough at a Glance

Population
10,441
Median Income
$192,006
Home Value
$796,700
Median Rent
$2,343/mo
Unemployment
4.1%
Avg High Temp
56.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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