Cost of Living in Swansea, MA
Population 17,231 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Swansea is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 17000 residents, where median household incomes of $116,627 and housing costs ($415,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Swansea sits roughly 11 miles east of Providence. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Swansea
The median home value in Swansea is $414,900 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,332/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $116,627/year is 56% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Swansea has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 41 | 48 | 59 | 69 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 30 | 40 | 49 | 59 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.96 | 3.44 | 4.90 | 4.29 | 3.37 | 3.81 | 2.91 | 3.59 | 4.17 | 4.18 | 4.27 | 4.65 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 10.5 | 6.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Swansea, MA?
Swansea has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.
What is average rent in Swansea, MA?
The median gross rent in Swansea is $1,332 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Swansea?
The median home value in Swansea is $414,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Swansea?
The median household income in Swansea is $116,627 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Swansea, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Swansea is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Swansea, MA affordable?
Swansea is above average in cost of living, with an index of 122 — about 22% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Swansea?
Swansea has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Swansea at a Glance
- Population
- 17,231
- Median Income
- $116,627
- Home Value
- $414,900
- Median Rent
- $1,332/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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