Cost of Living in Swampscott, MA
Population 15,209 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Swampscott run well above the national baseline, with a median of $691,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $128,964 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.
Located <5 miles east of Lynn, Swampscott falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 46% higher than Lynn's $473,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Swampscott
The median home value in Swampscott is $690,800 — 126% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,223/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $128,964/year is 73% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above 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, Swampscott has a cost of living index of 204 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 104% 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 Swampscott, MA?
Swampscott has a cost index of 204 (100 = national average). It is 104% above the national average.
What is average rent in Swampscott, MA?
The median gross rent in Swampscott is $2,223 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Swampscott?
The median home value in Swampscott is $690,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Swampscott?
The median household income in Swampscott is $128,964 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Swampscott, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Swampscott is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Swampscott, MA affordable?
Swampscott is above average in cost of living, with an index of 204 — about 104% higher than the national average.
Swampscott at a Glance
- Population
- 15,209
- Median Income
- $128,964
- Home Value
- $690,800
- Median Rent
- $2,223/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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