Cost of Living in Ware, MA
Population 10,012 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Ware a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $269,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 15 miles northeast of Springfield, Ware falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 21% higher than Springfield's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ware
The median home value in Ware is $269,400 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,049/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,666/year is 7% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 60.6°F and lows of 38.1°F. Overall, Ware has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less 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 | 35 | 38 | 47 | 60 | 72 | 80 | 85 | 83 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 26 | 35 | 46 | 55 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 39 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.75 | 2.60 | 3.43 | 4.06 | 3.71 | 4.37 | 4.15 | 3.72 | 4.60 | 4.72 | 3.47 | 3.58 |
💨 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 Ware, MA?
Ware has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ware, MA?
The median gross rent in Ware is $1,049 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ware?
The median home value in Ware is $269,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Ware?
The median household income in Ware is $69,666 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ware, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ware is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Ware, MA affordable?
Yes, Ware is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Ware?
Ware has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 38.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ware at a Glance
- Population
- 10,012
- Median Income
- $69,666
- Home Value
- $269,400
- Median Rent
- $1,049/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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