F
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
56%
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 Holbrook Massachusetts National
Cost of living128131100
Groceries111109100
Health care119116100
Housing156169100
Transportation117115100
Utilities120117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113115100
Household Items112109100
Education & Childcare130127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Holbrook, MA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Holbrook 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 Holbrook 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.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Holbrook may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Holbrook falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Holbrook 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 55.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Household expenses make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In Holbrook, you can expect to pay 11.5% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Holbrook is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 10.9% higher than the national average.

Is Holbrook Affordable?

Is Holbrook an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Holbrook, the median home price is 80.9% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 2.8% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Holbrook come in at $120,504, which is 48.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Holbrook?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Holbrook, the groceries index is 10.9% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Holbrook, healthcare costs are 18.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Holbrook cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Holbrook is 2% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Holbrook is 28% higher than the national average
  • Holbrook housing is 56% 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 Holbrook

See all the best places to live around Holbrook

Compare Holbrook, 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$140,398$11,700$3,276$4,212
      Renters$56,439$4,703$1,317$1,693
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Holbrook, 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 Holbrook, homeowners have a median income of $140,398. Using that number, a maximum of $3,276 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $56,439, which means there is a maximum of $1,317 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.
      Southfield, MA011514.6%
      Bridgewater, MA8,83712525.3%
      Randolph, MA34,56012323.3%
      Brockton, MA98,71412625.9%
      Norton Center, MA2,83913131.4%
      Holbrook, MA11,36112828.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Westwood, NJ11,35414747.1%
      Progress, PA11,354973.0%
      Lake Morton-Berrydale, WA11,37014242.5%
      Grandview, WA11,3461010.8%
      Pebble Creek, FL11,37712020.2%
      Holbrook, MA11,36112828.4%
      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.