| Index | Brockton | Massachusetts | National |
| Cost of living | 126 | 131 | 100 |
| Groceries | 111 | 109 | 100 |
| Health care | 119 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 148 | 169 | 100 |
| Transportation | 117 | 115 | 100 |
| Utilities | 120 | 117 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 113 | 115 | 100 |
| Household Items | 112 | 109 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 130 | 127 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Brockton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Brockton cost of living index is 126, which is 26% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Brockton may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Brockton falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs significantly influence the Brockton cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 47.5%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Everyday household expenses like cleaning products, laundry detergent, toiletries, and kitchen basics can quickly add up over time and make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Brockton, you can expect to spend 11.5% more than average on these recurring essentials, which increases your overall monthly cost of living.
The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Brockton is no exception, where grocery prices are 10.9% above the national average.
Wondering if Brockton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Brockton, for example, the median home price is 57.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 23.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Brockton boasting a median household income of $94,406, which is 16.1% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Brockton, the groceries index is 10.9% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
The cost of living data for Brockton shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $136,223 | $11,352 | $3,178 | $4,087 |
| Renters | $50,593 | $4,216 | $1,180 | $1,518 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Massachusetts | 5% | 9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Southfield, MA | 0 | 115 | 14.6% |
| Taunton, MA | 59,451 | 124 | 23.8% |
| Bridgewater, MA | 8,837 | 125 | 25.3% |
| Randolph, MA | 34,560 | 123 | 23.3% |
| Attleboro, MA | 46,708 | 126 | 25.6% |
| Brockton, MA | 98,714 | 126 | 25.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Compton, CA | 98,731 | 139 | 38.7% |
| Mission Viejo, CA | 98,783 | 190 | 90.0% |
| Hesperia, CA | 98,419 | 123 | 22.5% |
| Albany, NY | 99,012 | 109 | 8.9% |
| Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC | 99,027 | n/a | |
| Brockton, MA | 98,714 | 126 | 25.9% |
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