Cost of Living in Sterling, MA
Population 8,111 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sterling is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $136,027 and housing costs ($467,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Sterling sits roughly 12 miles north of Worcester. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sterling
The median home value in Sterling is $467,400 — 53% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,606/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $136,027/year is 82% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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, Sterling has a cost of living index of 141 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% more expensive.
Sterling 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sterling, MA?
Sterling has a cost index of 141 (100 = national average). It is 41% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sterling, MA?
The median gross rent in Sterling is $1,606 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sterling?
The median home value in Sterling is $467,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Sterling?
The median household income in Sterling is $136,027 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sterling, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sterling is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Sterling, MA affordable?
Sterling is above average in cost of living, with an index of 141 — about 41% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Sterling?
Sterling 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.
Sterling at a Glance
- Population
- 8,111
- Median Income
- $136,027
- Home Value
- $467,400
- Median Rent
- $1,606/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs