Cost of Living in Stow, MA

Population 7,109 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

185
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Stow sits 116% above the national median — $658,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $177,862 (138% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Stow sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Lowell — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 67% higher than Lowell's $395,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 216
Rent 139

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

About the Cost of Living in Stow

The median home value in Stow is $657,900 — 116% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,829/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $177,862/year is 138% 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 38.3°F. Overall, Stow has a cost of living index of 185 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 85% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$657,900
116% above avg
Median Rent
$1,829/mo
39% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$2,263
1 BR
$2,394
2 BR
$2,837
3 BR
$3,418
4 BR
$3,761
Owner-occupied 85.5%
Renter-occupied 14.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,829
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,443/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
36.4 min
35% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
31.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
59.5%
Carpooled
5.2%
Public transit
2.7%
Work from home
31.3%

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
$177,862
138% above avg
Per Capita Income
$80,817
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
16% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Labor Force Participation
55.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.3%
Graduate degree 40.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.8
Male median age 39
Female median age 48.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.5°F
Avg Low
38.3°F
Annual Precip
43.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343745587078838274625040
Low °F 161725354656626051403022
Precip" 2.652.823.823.783.604.113.523.363.984.483.583.67

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stow, MA?

Stow has a cost index of 185 (100 = national average). It is 85% above the national average.

What is average rent in Stow, MA?

The median gross rent in Stow is $1,829 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Stow?

The median home value in Stow is $657,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Stow?

The median household income in Stow is $177,862 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Stow, MA?

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

Is Stow, MA affordable?

Stow is above average in cost of living, with an index of 185 — about 85% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Stow?

Stow 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.

Stow at a Glance

Population
7,109
Median Income
$177,862
Home Value
$657,900
Median Rent
$1,829/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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