Winchester, MA

Very High · 252

Massachusetts · Population 22,862 · Updated March 2026

$2,271
Median Rent / Month
$218,176
Median Income
$1,181,700
Median Home Value
$3,243
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Winchester

12.5%
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

$27,252
Annual Rent
$19,636
State Income Tax
$13,590
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Winchester has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 252 (where 100 equals the national median), Winchester residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,271/month while earning a median household income of $218,176/year.

The median home value in Winchester, MA is $1,181,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,243 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% 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 Winchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Winchester

What is the cost of living in Winchester, MA?
The cost of living index in Winchester, MA is 252 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,271, median household income is $218,176/year, and the median home value is $1,181,700.
Is Winchester, MA affordable?
No, Winchester is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 252. The rent-to-income ratio is 12.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Winchester, MA?
The median gross rent in Winchester, MA is $2,271 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $27,252.
What is the median household income in Winchester?
The median household income in Winchester, MA is $218,176 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%.