Cost of Living in Essex, MA

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F
48%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
135%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Essex Massachusetts National
Cost of living148131100
Groceries106109100
Health care112116100
Housing235169100
Transportation115115100
Utilities113117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113115100
Household Items107109100
Education & Childcare119127100
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Homes For Sale In Essex, MA

property for sale

31 Eastern Ave

Essex, MA
property for sale

80R Eastern Ave

Essex, MA
property for sale

145 Main St #4

Essex, MA
property for sale

145 Main St #1

Essex, MA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Essex is 13% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Essex is 48% higher than the national average
  • Essex housing is 135% higher than the national average
  • Massachusetts general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Massachusetts state income tax is 93% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Essex

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Compare Essex, MA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$203,724$16,977$4,753$6,112
      Renters$30,630$2,553$715$919

      Massachusetts Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Massachusetts 6.25% 6.25%

      Massachusetts Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Massachusetts 5% 9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Amesbury Town, MA17,91613130.9%
      Lynn, MA97,23513434.4%
      Salem, MA44,88113535.3%
      Salisbury, MA5,22613535.4%
      Saugus, MA29,08413938.9%
      Essex, MA1,74814848.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wacousta, MI1,7481043.8%
      Chatmoss, VA1,7481033.5%
      Coaling, AL1,747964.2%
      Southport, CT1,74718887.7%
      Ackerman, MS1,7478712.7%
      Essex, MA1,74814848.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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