Cost of Living in Wayland, MA

Population 13,826 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

227
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Wayland run well above the national baseline, with a median of $937,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $221,250 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.

Located 12 miles west of Cambridge, Wayland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Cambridge's $1 million.

Cost Overview

Housing 307
Rent 107

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

About the Cost of Living in Wayland

The median home value in Wayland is $936,900 — 207% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,403/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $221,250/year is 197% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 39.7°F. Overall, Wayland has a cost of living index of 227 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 127% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$936,900
207% above avg
Median Rent
$1,403/mo
7% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
55.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$2,263
1 BR
$2,394
2 BR
$2,837
3 BR
$3,418
4 BR
$3,761
Owner-occupied 90.4%
Renter-occupied 9.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,403
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,017/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
30.8 min
14% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
33.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.1%
Carpooled
3.6%
Public transit
1.9%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
33.3%

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
$221,250
197% above avg
Per Capita Income
$103,056
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
28% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
51.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.2%
Graduate degree 44.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.5
Male median age 44.6
Female median age 44.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.3°F
Avg Low
39.7°F
Annual Precip
42.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 373948607079858476645242
Low °F 181927374756626052413224
Precip" 2.902.693.853.843.363.723.513.473.544.243.723.76

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wayland, MA?

Wayland has a cost index of 227 (100 = national average). It is 127% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wayland, MA?

The median gross rent in Wayland is $1,403 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wayland?

The median home value in Wayland is $936,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wayland?

The median household income in Wayland is $221,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wayland, MA?

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

Is Wayland, MA affordable?

Wayland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 227 — about 127% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Wayland?

Wayland has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wayland at a Glance

Population
13,826
Median Income
$221,250
Home Value
$936,900
Median Rent
$1,403/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Avg High Temp
61.3°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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