Marblehead, MA

Very High · 197

Massachusetts · Population 20,334 · Updated March 2026

$1,769
Median Rent / Month
$165,859
Median Income
$906,200
Median Home Value
$2,664
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Marblehead

12.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$21,228
Annual Rent
$14,927
State Income Tax
$10,421
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Marblehead has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 197 (where 100 equals the national median), Marblehead residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,769/month while earning a median household income of $165,859/year.

The median home value in Marblehead, MA is $906,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,664 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Marblehead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Marblehead

What is the cost of living in Marblehead, MA?
The cost of living index in Marblehead, MA is 197 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,769, median household income is $165,859/year, and the median home value is $906,200.
Is Marblehead, MA affordable?
No, Marblehead is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 197. The rent-to-income ratio is 12.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Marblehead, MA?
The median gross rent in Marblehead, MA is $1,769 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,228.
What is the median household income in Marblehead?
The median household income in Marblehead, MA is $165,859 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%.