Cost of Living in Topsfield, MA

Population 6,535 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

190
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Topsfield sits 166% above the national median — $810,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $176,698 (137% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 0.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 12 miles north of Lynn, Topsfield falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 71% higher than Lynn's $473,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 266
Rent 76

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

About the Cost of Living in Topsfield

The median home value in Topsfield is $810,400 — 166% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,003/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $176,698/year is 137% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, Topsfield has a cost of living index of 190 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 90% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$810,400
166% above avg
Median Rent
$1,003/mo
24% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
67.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,346
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,365
4 BR
$2,603
Owner-occupied 90.4%
Renter-occupied 9.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,003
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,617/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
29.8 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
26.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.8%
Carpooled
4.7%
Public transit
4.5%
Walked
2.0%
Work from home
26.3%

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
$176,698
137% above avg
Per Capita Income
$71,322
Unemployment Rate
0.7%
86% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Labor Force Participation
51.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.3%
Graduate degree 35.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.3
Male median age 41.9
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
40.9°F
Annual Precip
40.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353845586977838274625140
Low °F 192128384857636254433425
Precip" 2.862.443.423.603.393.993.483.043.754.103.523.32

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
66.6%
Good air days/yr
105
Max AQI recorded
204
PM2.5 days
160
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Topsfield, MA?

Topsfield has a cost index of 190 (100 = national average). It is 90% above the national average.

What is average rent in Topsfield, MA?

The median gross rent in Topsfield is $1,003 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Topsfield?

The median home value in Topsfield is $810,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Topsfield?

The median household income in Topsfield is $176,698 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Topsfield, MA?

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

Is Topsfield, MA affordable?

Topsfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 190 — about 90% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Topsfield?

Topsfield has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Topsfield at a Glance

Population
6,535
Median Income
$176,698
Home Value
$810,400
Median Rent
$1,003/mo
Unemployment
0.7%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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