F
33%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
78%
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 Hudson Massachusetts National
Cost of living133131100
Groceries109109100
Health care115116100
Housing178169100
Transportation116115100
Utilities115117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116115100
Household Items107109100
Education & Childcare121127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hudson, MA

Understanding the cost of living in Hudson 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 Hudson cost of living index is 133, which is 33% 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're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Hudson may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Hudson falls within this bracket.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Hudson, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 77.6% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Hudson Affordable?

Is Hudson an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Hudson is 97.6% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hudson has a median household income of $131,767, which is 62% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hudson?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

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 Hudson, the groceries index is 9% 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 Hudson, the transportation index is 16.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Hudson cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hudson is 1% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Hudson is 33% higher than the national average
  • Hudson housing is 78% 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 Hudson

See all the best places to live around Hudson

Compare Hudson, MA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$161,939$13,495$3,778$4,859
      Renters$85,893$7,158$2,004$2,577
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Hudson, MA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Hudson have a median income of $161,939. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,778 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $85,893, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,004.

      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.
      Fitchburg, MA41,91311111.4%
      Shirley, MA1,75811616.3%
      Worcester, MA189,03512020.3%
      Leominster, MA42,48011818.0%
      Clinton, MA7,22211919.0%
      Hudson, MA15,74813332.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grosse Pointe Woods, MI15,73111212.2%
      East Rancho Dominguez, CA15,76513636.3%
      Americus, GA15,7298713.2%
      Kenora, ON15,728n/a 
      Clearlake, CA15,7741065.7%
      Hudson, MA15,74813332.8%
      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.