Newton, MA

Very High · 251

Massachusetts · Population 88,504 · Updated March 2026

$2,388
Median Rent / Month
$184,989
Median Income
$1,202,500
Median Home Value
$2,861
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Newton

15.5%
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

$28,656
Annual Rent
$16,649
State Income Tax
$13,829
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Newton has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 251 (where 100 equals the national median), Newton residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,388/month while earning a median household income of $184,989/year.

The median home value in Newton, MA is $1,202,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,861 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% 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 Newton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Newton

What is the cost of living in Newton, MA?
The cost of living index in Newton, MA is 251 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,388, median household income is $184,989/year, and the median home value is $1,202,500.
Is Newton, MA affordable?
No, Newton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 251. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Newton, MA?
The median gross rent in Newton, MA is $2,388 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $28,656.
What is the median household income in Newton?
The median household income in Newton, MA is $184,989 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%.