Cost of Living in Wareham, MA

Population 23,226 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

122
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wareham is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 23000 residents, where median household incomes of $82,741 and housing costs ($398,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Wareham sits roughly 14 miles northeast of New Bedford. Median home values run roughly 23% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 130
Rent 108

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

About the Cost of Living in Wareham

The median home value in Wareham is $398,000 — 30% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,420/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,741/year is 11% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 59.8°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Wareham has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$398,000
30% above avg
Median Rent
$1,420/mo
8% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,607
1 BR
$1,652
2 BR
$2,155
3 BR
$2,730
4 BR
$2,953
Owner-occupied 81.5%
Renter-occupied 18.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,420
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,034/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
27.1 min
0% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.0%
Carpooled
6.8%
Public transit
0.5%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
13.0%

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
$82,741
11% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,118
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
24% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Labor Force Participation
51.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 17.9%
Graduate degree 9.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 53.1
Male median age 52.1
Female median age 53.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.8°F
Avg Low
40.2°F
Annual Precip
48"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384046576776828073635343
Low °F 202127364655626153423326
Precip" 3.832.964.954.403.543.803.353.463.824.814.484.59

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wareham, MA?

Wareham has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wareham, MA?

The median gross rent in Wareham is $1,420 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wareham?

The median home value in Wareham is $398,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wareham?

The median household income in Wareham is $82,741 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wareham, MA?

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

Is Wareham, MA affordable?

Wareham 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 Wareham?

Wareham has average high temperatures of 59.8°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 48". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wareham at a Glance

Population
23,226
Median Income
$82,741
Home Value
$398,000
Median Rent
$1,420/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
59.8°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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