F
45%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
117%
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 Everett Massachusetts National
Cost of living145131100
Groceries109109100
Health care116116100
Housing217169100
Transportation116115100
Utilities115117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment115115100
Household Items108109100
Education & Childcare123127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Everett, MA

Knowing the cost of living in Everett allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Everett stands at 145, marking it 45% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Everett is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Everett falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Everett cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 117.2% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Everett Affordable?

Is Everett affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Everett, for instance, where the median home price falls 138.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 67.3% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Everett flaunting a median household income of $106,235, 30.6% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Everett?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Everett, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 5%.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Everett, the groceries index is 8.5% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Everett, the utilities index is 15.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Everett cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Everett is 11% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Everett is 45% higher than the national average
  • Everett housing is 117% 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 Everett

See all the best places to live around Everett

Compare Everett, MA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Everett?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Everett?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Everett poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$134,963$11,247$3,149$4,049
      Renters$88,123$7,344$2,056$2,644
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Everett, MA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Everett, homeowners have a median income of $134,963. Using that number, a maximum of $3,149 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $88,123, which means there is a maximum of $2,056 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Lynn, MA97,23513434.4%
      Salem, MA44,88113535.3%
      Chelsea, MA41,00013535.2%
      Saugus, MA29,08413938.9%
      Weymouth Town, MA59,40313938.8%
      Everett, MA47,66014544.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Littleton, CO47,71913737.3%
      Woodstock, ON47,584n/a 
      Cornwall, ON47,736n/a 
      Fort Pierce, FL47,562972.5%
      Bothell, WA47,76216262.3%
      Everett, MA47,66014544.8%
      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.