F
31%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
72%
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 Methuen Town Massachusetts National
Cost of living131131100
Groceries109109100
Health care116116100
Housing172169100
Transportation113115100
Utilities115117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113115100
Household Items111109100
Education & Childcare121127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Methuen Town, MA

The cost of living in Methuen Town affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Methuen Town is 131, which is 31% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Methuen Town 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, Methuen Town falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Methuen Town, 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 71.8% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

The routine items you regularly buy for your home, such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials, make up 8% of the cost of living index. In Methuen Town, these items cost 11% more than the national average, making day-to-day living a bit more expensive.

Is Methuen Town Affordable?

Wondering if Methuen Town is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Methuen Town, for example, the median home price is 88.5% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 32.8% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Methuen Town boasting a median household income of $122,464, which is 50.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Methuen Town?

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Methuen Town, the housing index stands at 71.8% 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 Methuen Town, the groceries index is 8.7% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Methuen Town shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Methuen Town is equal to the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Methuen Town is 31% higher than the national average
  • Methuen Town housing is 72% 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 Methuen Town

See all the best places to live around Methuen Town

Compare Methuen Town, 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$156,384$13,032$3,649$4,692
      Renters$50,505$4,209$1,178$1,515
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Methuen Town, 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 Methuen Town, the median monthly income is $156,384 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,649 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $50,505, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,178 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.
      Hudson, NH7,38611111.2%
      Derry, NH23,39811212.3%
      Lawrence, MA82,02512525.4%
      Lowell, MA114,17012625.9%
      Haverhill, MA65,50012828.3%
      Methuen Town, MA51,59013130.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kannapolis, NC51,586972.6%
      Irondequoit, NY51,6101033.0%
      Levittown, PA51,6341076.7%
      Rowland Heights, CA51,65217272.0%
      Coral Gables, FL51,68619291.6%
      Methuen Town, MA51,59013130.9%
      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.