Wellesley, MA

Very High · 312

Massachusetts · Population 29,906 · Updated March 2026

$2,849
Median Rent / Month
$250,001
Median Income
$1,513,400
Median Home Value
$3,659
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wellesley

13.7%
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

$34,188
Annual Rent
$22,500
State Income Tax
$17,404
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wellesley has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 312 (where 100 equals the national median), Wellesley residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,849/month while earning a median household income of $250,001/year.

The median home value in Wellesley, MA is $1,513,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,659 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 13.7% 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 Wellesley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wellesley

What is the cost of living in Wellesley, MA?
The cost of living index in Wellesley, MA is 312 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,849, median household income is $250,001/year, and the median home value is $1,513,400.
Is Wellesley, MA affordable?
No, Wellesley is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 312. The rent-to-income ratio is 13.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wellesley, MA?
The median gross rent in Wellesley, MA is $2,849 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $34,188.
What is the median household income in Wellesley?
The median household income in Wellesley, MA is $250,001 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%.