Somerville, MA

Very High · 214

Massachusetts · Population 80,549 · Updated March 2026

$2,468
Median Rent / Month
$127,056
Median Income
$899,400
Median Home Value
$2,539
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Somerville

23.3%
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

$29,616
Annual Rent
$11,435
State Income Tax
$10,343
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Somerville has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 214 (where 100 equals the national median), Somerville residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,468/month while earning a median household income of $127,056/year.

The median home value in Somerville, MA is $899,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,539 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% 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 Somerville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Somerville

What is the cost of living in Somerville, MA?
The cost of living index in Somerville, MA is 214 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,468, median household income is $127,056/year, and the median home value is $899,400.
Is Somerville, MA affordable?
No, Somerville is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 214. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Somerville, MA?
The median gross rent in Somerville, MA is $2,468 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $29,616.
What is the median household income in Somerville?
The median household income in Somerville, MA is $127,056 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%.