Cost of Living in Westwood, MA
Population 16,213 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Westwood's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $986,000 for a typical home, 223% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $205,000 that put it in the upper third of the state. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Westwood sits roughly 11 miles west of Quincy — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 65% higher than Quincy's $598,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Westwood
The median home value in Westwood is $985,800 — 223% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,390/month, 82% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $205,000/year is 175% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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 62.9°F and lows of 41.0°F. Overall, Westwood has a cost of living index of 267 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 167% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 42 | 49 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 61 | 52 | 41 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 2.80 | 3.72 | 3.96 | 3.30 | 3.92 | 3.03 | 3.63 | 3.82 | 4.54 | 3.69 | 4.09 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Westwood, MA?
Westwood has a cost index of 267 (100 = national average). It is 167% above the national average.
What is average rent in Westwood, MA?
The median gross rent in Westwood is $2,390 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Westwood?
The median home value in Westwood is $985,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Westwood?
The median household income in Westwood is $205,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Westwood, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Westwood is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Westwood, MA affordable?
Westwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 267 — about 167% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Westwood?
Westwood has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Westwood at a Glance
- Population
- 16,213
- Median Income
- $205,000
- Home Value
- $985,800
- Median Rent
- $2,390/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Massachusetts Rankings
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