Saugus, MA

Very High · 159

Massachusetts · Population 28,599 · Updated March 2026

$1,982
Median Rent / Month
$100,819
Median Income
$589,500
Median Home Value
$2,152
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Saugus

23.6%
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

$23,784
Annual Rent
$9,074
State Income Tax
$6,779
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Saugus has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 159 (where 100 equals the national median), Saugus residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,982/month while earning a median household income of $100,819/year.

The median home value in Saugus, MA is $589,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,152 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% 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 Saugus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Saugus

What is the cost of living in Saugus, MA?
The cost of living index in Saugus, MA is 159 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,982, median household income is $100,819/year, and the median home value is $589,500.
Is Saugus, MA affordable?
No, Saugus is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 159. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Saugus, MA?
The median gross rent in Saugus, MA is $1,982 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,784.
What is the median household income in Saugus?
The median household income in Saugus, MA is $100,819 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%.