Cost of Living in Wellesley, MA
Population 29,906 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wellesley's housing market is in a category of its own — median home values around $1.5 million sit roughly 5 times the US figure, reflecting a market driven as much by second-home and resort buyers as by year-round residents.
Geographically, Wellesley sits roughly 10 miles southwest of Cambridge. Median home values run roughly 45% higher than Cambridge's $1 million.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wellesley
The median home value in Wellesley is $1,513,400 — 396% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,849/month, 117% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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%. Overall, Wellesley has a cost of living index of 384 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 284% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wellesley, MA?
Wellesley has a cost index of 384 (100 = national average). It is 284% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wellesley, MA?
The median gross rent in Wellesley is $2,849 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wellesley?
The median home value in Wellesley is $1,513,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wellesley?
The median household income in Wellesley is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wellesley, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wellesley is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Wellesley, MA affordable?
Wellesley is above average in cost of living, with an index of 384 — about 284% higher than the national average.
Wellesley at a Glance
- Population
- 29,906
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $1,513,400
- Median Rent
- $2,849/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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