Waltham, MA

Very High · 180

Massachusetts · Population 64,723 · Updated March 2026

$2,232
Median Rent / Month
$116,560
Median Income
$705,700
Median Home Value
$2,210
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waltham

23.0%
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

$26,784
Annual Rent
$10,490
State Income Tax
$8,116
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waltham has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 180 (where 100 equals the national median), Waltham residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,232/month while earning a median household income of $116,560/year.

The median home value in Waltham, MA is $705,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,210 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.0% 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 Waltham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waltham

What is the cost of living in Waltham, MA?
The cost of living index in Waltham, MA is 180 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,232, median household income is $116,560/year, and the median home value is $705,700.
Is Waltham, MA affordable?
No, Waltham is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 180. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waltham, MA?
The median gross rent in Waltham, MA is $2,232 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,784.
What is the median household income in Waltham?
The median household income in Waltham, MA is $116,560 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%.