Cost of Living in Wellfleet, MA

Population 4,371 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

184
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Wellfleet run well above the national baseline, with a median of $751,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $114,074 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros.

Geographically, Wellfleet is about 50 miles east of New Bedford, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 132% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 246
Rent 91

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

About the Cost of Living in Wellfleet

The median home value in Wellfleet is $751,000 — 146% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,200/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,074/year is 53% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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 57.7°F and lows of 44.1°F. Overall, Wellfleet has a cost of living index of 184 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 84% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$751,000
146% above avg
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
9% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
52.2x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,739
1 BR
$1,788
2 BR
$2,346
3 BR
$2,879
4 BR
$3,308
Owner-occupied 83.7%
Renter-occupied 16.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,200
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,814/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
32.7 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.0%
Carpooled
5.4%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
4.7%
Work from home
18.9%

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
$114,074
53% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,279
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4% below avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
Labor Force Participation
49.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.5%
Graduate degree 35.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 55.7
Male median age 52
Female median age 59.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.7°F
Avg Low
44.1°F
Annual Precip
45.2"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394044526272797871615244
Low °F 262631394857646458473931
Precip" 3.753.614.434.013.342.952.793.033.584.234.475.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wellfleet, MA?

Wellfleet has a cost index of 184 (100 = national average). It is 84% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wellfleet, MA?

The median gross rent in Wellfleet is $1,200 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wellfleet?

The median home value in Wellfleet is $751,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wellfleet?

The median household income in Wellfleet is $114,074 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wellfleet, MA?

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

Is Wellfleet, MA affordable?

Wellfleet is above average in cost of living, with an index of 184 — about 84% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Wellfleet?

Wellfleet has average high temperatures of 57.7°F and average lows of 44.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Wellfleet at a Glance

Population
4,371
Median Income
$114,074
Home Value
$751,000
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Unemployment
4.6%
Avg High Temp
57.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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