Cost of Living in West Newbury, MA

Population 4,536 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

206
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in West Newbury run well above the national baseline, with a median of $766,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $189,048 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 20 miles northeast of Lowell, West Newbury falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 94% higher than Lowell's $395,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 251
Rent 138

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

About the Cost of Living in West Newbury

The median home value in West Newbury is $765,800 — 151% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,809/month, 38% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $189,048/year is 153% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 40.9°F. Overall, West Newbury has a cost of living index of 206 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 106% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$765,800
151% above avg
Median Rent
$1,809/mo
38% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,346
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,365
4 BR
$2,603
Owner-occupied 95.3%
Renter-occupied 4.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,809
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,423/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
33.3 min
23% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.9%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
1.8%
Walked
0.0%
Work from home
20.9%

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
$189,048
153% above avg
Per Capita Income
$83,726
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
40% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
Labor Force Participation
57.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.5%
Graduate degree 32.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.9
Male median age 52.3
Female median age 47.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
40.9°F
Annual Precip
40.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 353845586977838274625140
Low °F 192128384857636254433425
Precip" 2.862.443.423.603.393.993.483.043.754.103.523.32

Frequently Asked Questions

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

West Newbury has a cost index of 206 (100 = national average). It is 106% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Newbury, MA?

The median gross rent in West Newbury is $1,809 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Newbury?

The median home value in West Newbury is $765,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in West Newbury?

The median household income in West Newbury is $189,048 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Newbury, MA?

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

Is West Newbury, MA affordable?

West Newbury is above average in cost of living, with an index of 206 — about 106% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in West Newbury?

West Newbury has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Newbury at a Glance

Population
4,536
Median Income
$189,048
Home Value
$765,800
Median Rent
$1,809/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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