Cost of Living in Watertown Town, MA
Population 35,270 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Watertown Town's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $738,000 for a typical home, 142% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $123,422 that put it in the upper third of the state.
Located <5 miles west of Cambridge, Watertown Town falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Watertown Town
The median home value in Watertown Town is $737,600 — 142% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,357/month, 79% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $123,422/year is 65% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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, Watertown Town has a cost of living index of 217 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 117% 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Watertown Town, MA?
Watertown Town has a cost index of 217 (100 = national average). It is 117% above the national average.
What is average rent in Watertown Town, MA?
The median gross rent in Watertown Town is $2,357 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Watertown Town?
The median home value in Watertown Town is $737,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Watertown Town?
The median household income in Watertown Town is $123,422 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Watertown Town, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Watertown Town is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Watertown Town, MA affordable?
Watertown Town is above average in cost of living, with an index of 217 — about 117% higher than the national average.
Watertown Town at a Glance
- Population
- 35,270
- Median Income
- $123,422
- Home Value
- $737,600
- Median Rent
- $2,357/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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