Swampscott, MA

Very High · 186

Massachusetts · Population 15,209 · Updated March 2026

$2,223
Median Rent / Month
$128,964
Median Income
$690,800
Median Home Value
$2,656
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Swampscott

20.7%
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

$26,676
Annual Rent
$11,607
State Income Tax
$7,944
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Swampscott has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 186 (where 100 equals the national median), Swampscott residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,223/month while earning a median household income of $128,964/year.

The median home value in Swampscott, MA is $690,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,656 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% 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 Swampscott.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Swampscott

What is the cost of living in Swampscott, MA?
The cost of living index in Swampscott, MA is 186 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,223, median household income is $128,964/year, and the median home value is $690,800.
Is Swampscott, MA affordable?
No, Swampscott is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 186. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Swampscott, MA?
The median gross rent in Swampscott, MA is $2,223 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,676.
What is the median household income in Swampscott?
The median household income in Swampscott, MA is $128,964 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%.