Cost of Living in West Brookfield, MA

Population 3,830 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

101
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

West Brookfield skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 58. Reported household income of $78,988 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. At 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, West Brookfield sits roughly 20 miles west of Worcester. Housing prices track closely with Worcester's $340,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 109
Rent 88

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

About the Cost of Living in West Brookfield

The median home value in West Brookfield is $333,100 — 9% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,153/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,988/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 39.6°F, with about 72.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, West Brookfield has a cost of living index of 101 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$333,100
9% above avg
Median Rent
$1,153/mo
12% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,438
2 BR
$1,854
3 BR
$2,265
4 BR
$2,493
Owner-occupied 79.1%
Renter-occupied 20.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,153
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,767/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
41.9 min
55% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.8%
Carpooled
9.1%
Work from home
17.6%

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
$78,988
6% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,361
Unemployment Rate
7.3%
51% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Labor Force Participation
46.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.6%
Graduate degree 8.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 58.3
Male median age 56.2
Female median age 59.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.7°F
Avg Low
39.6°F
Annual Precip
48.3"
Annual Snowfall
72.9"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323543566775807871594838
Low °F 171926374756626153423323
Precip" 3.523.264.194.083.564.223.934.144.244.844.004.28
Snow" 18.221.213.71.90.00.00.00.00.01.11.914.9

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 39 — Good
73.4%
Good air days/yr
148
Max AQI recorded
170
PM2.5 days
190
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Brookfield, MA?

West Brookfield has a cost index of 101 (100 = national average). It is 1% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Brookfield, MA?

The median gross rent in West Brookfield is $1,153 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Brookfield?

The median home value in West Brookfield is $333,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in West Brookfield?

The median household income in West Brookfield is $78,988 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Brookfield, MA?

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

Is West Brookfield, MA affordable?

West Brookfield is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 101 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in West Brookfield?

West Brookfield has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3". Average annual snowfall is 72.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Brookfield at a Glance

Population
3,830
Median Income
$78,988
Home Value
$333,100
Median Rent
$1,153/mo
Unemployment
7.3%
Avg High Temp
56.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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