F
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
64%
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 Milford Massachusetts National
Cost of living128131100
Groceries109109100
Health care115116100
Housing164169100
Transportation114115100
Utilities118117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111115100
Household Items108109100
Education & Childcare121127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Milford, MA

Understanding the cost of living in Milford 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 Milford cost of living index is 128, which is 28% 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, Milford 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, Milford falls within this bracket.

Housing costs significantly influence the Milford 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 64.4%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Milford Affordable?

Is Milford affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Milford, the median home price is 77.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 34.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Milford boasting a median household income of $126,456, 55.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Milford?

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 Milford, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 5%.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Milford, the utilities index registers 17.6% higher than the national average.

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 Milford, the groceries index is 9.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Milford 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 Milford is 2% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Milford is 28% higher than the national average
  • Milford housing is 64% 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 Milford

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Compare Milford, 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$147,027$12,252$3,430$4,411
      Renters$71,427$5,952$1,667$2,143
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Milford, MA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Milford homeowners, is $147,027. This would allow for a maximum of $3,430 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $71,427 which would result in a maximum of $1,667 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Woonsocket, RI42,7181054.7%
      Pascoag, RI5,0741099.1%
      Harrisville, RI1,31611211.6%
      Worcester, MA189,03512020.3%
      Cumberland Hill, RI8,75211615.7%
      Milford, MA26,68512828.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brawley, CA26,69111212.0%
      Madison, MS26,67511111.4%
      Mauldin, SC26,6991000.4%
      Owatonna, MN26,702982.5%
      Medina, OH26,667964.4%
      Milford, MA26,68512828.5%
      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.