Chelsea, MA

Very High · 140

Massachusetts · Population 39,460 · Updated March 2026

$1,859
Median Rent / Month
$72,220
Median Income
$476,500
Median Home Value
$1,939
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Chelsea

30.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Massachusetts

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.15%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$22,308
Annual Rent
$6,500
State Income Tax
$5,480
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Chelsea has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 140 (where 100 equals the national median), Chelsea residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,859/month while earning a median household income of $72,220/year.

The median home value in Chelsea, MA is $476,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,939 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 30.9% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Chelsea are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

Massachusetts's top income tax rate of 9.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Chelsea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Chelsea

What is the cost of living in Chelsea, MA?
The cost of living index in Chelsea, MA is 140 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,859, median household income is $72,220/year, and the median home value is $476,500.
Is Chelsea, MA affordable?
No, Chelsea is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 140. The rent-to-income ratio is 30.9%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Chelsea, MA?
The median gross rent in Chelsea, MA is $1,859 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $22,308.
What is the median household income in Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea, MA is $72,220 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a top income tax rate of 9.0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.15%.