F
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
63%
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 Haverhill Massachusetts National
Cost of living128131100
Groceries108109100
Health care116116100
Housing163169100
Transportation112115100
Utilities116117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116115100
Household Items109109100
Education & Childcare127127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Haverhill, MA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Haverhill is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Haverhill is 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Haverhill 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, Haverhill falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Haverhill, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 62.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Haverhill?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 6 residents in Haverhill to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 100% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 0% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Haverhill Affordable?

Is Haverhill 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 Haverhill, for instance, where the median home price falls 77.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 26.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Haverhill flaunting a median household income of $103,387, 27.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Haverhill?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Haverhill, the housing index is 62.5% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Haverhill, the transportation index is 12.1% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Haverhill, the groceries index is 7.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Haverhill 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 Haverhill is 2% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Haverhill is 28% higher than the national average
  • Haverhill housing is 63% 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 Haverhill

See all the best places to live around Haverhill

Compare Haverhill, 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$144,066$12,006$3,361$4,322
      Renters$66,010$5,501$1,540$1,980
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Haverhill, MA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Haverhill, the median monthly income is $144,066 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,361 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $66,010, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,540 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Derry, NH23,39811212.3%
      Exeter, NH9,64911312.8%
      Lawrence, MA82,02512525.4%
      Lowell, MA114,17012625.9%
      Amesbury Town, MA17,91613130.9%
      Haverhill, MA65,50012828.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Halton Hills, ON65,483n/a 
      Cheyenne, WY65,5541055.3%
      Port Orange, FL65,4351087.7%
      Dublin, CA65,416215115.5%
      Brentwood, CA65,40517372.6%
      Haverhill, MA65,50012828.3%
      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.