F
67%
Overall NAT. AVG.
11%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
186%
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 Milton Massachusetts National
Cost of living167131100
Groceries111109100
Health care114116100
Housing286169100
Transportation114115100
Utilities122117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116115100
Household Items109109100
Education & Childcare128127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Milton, MA

Knowing the cost of living in Milton allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Milton stands at 167, marking it 67% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Milton 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, Milton falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Milton cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 186.2% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

The relentless increase in grocery prices is a noteworthy trend. In the last two years, grocery costs have experienced an upward trajectory of over 10%. Unfortunately, Milton is no exception, where grocery prices are 11.1% above the national average.

Is Milton Affordable?

Is Milton 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 Milton, the median home price is 252.3% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 31.9% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Milton come in at $207,275, which is 154.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Milton?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Milton, the utilities index stands at 22.3% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Milton, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and income tax rates kick off at 5%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Milton 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 Milton is 27% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Milton is 67% higher than the national average
  • Milton housing is 186% 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 Milton

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Compare Milton, 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$254,258$21,188$5,932$7,629
      Renters$63,188$5,266$1,474$1,896
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Milton is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Milton has a median income of about $254,258 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $5,932 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $63,188. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,474 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%
      Randolph, MA34,56012323.3%
      Brockton, MA98,71412625.9%
      Holbrook, MA11,36112828.4%
      Foxborough, MA6,24213636.0%
      Milton, MA28,52516766.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kirkwood, MO28,51111716.6%
      Lafayette, CO28,54614342.8%
      Oxford, MS28,5031077.1%
      Converse, TX28,5541010.5%
      Big Spring, TX28,4888812.3%
      Milton, MA28,52516766.8%
      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.