Melrose, MA

Very High · 182

Massachusetts · Population 29,488 · Updated March 2026

$1,933
Median Rent / Month
$126,854
Median Income
$796,100
Median Home Value
$2,228
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Melrose

18.3%
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

$23,196
Annual Rent
$11,417
State Income Tax
$9,155
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Melrose has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 182 (where 100 equals the national median), Melrose residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,933/month while earning a median household income of $126,854/year.

The median home value in Melrose, MA is $796,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,228 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% 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 Melrose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Melrose

What is the cost of living in Melrose, MA?
The cost of living index in Melrose, MA is 182 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,933, median household income is $126,854/year, and the median home value is $796,100.
Is Melrose, MA affordable?
No, Melrose is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 182. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Melrose, MA?
The median gross rent in Melrose, MA is $1,933 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,196.
What is the median household income in Melrose?
The median household income in Melrose, MA is $126,854 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%.