F
61%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
171%
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 Newburyport Massachusetts National
Cost of living161131100
Groceries108109100
Health care116116100
Housing271169100
Transportation112115100
Utilities116117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116115100
Household Items109109100
Education & Childcare127127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Newburyport, MA

The cost of living in Newburyport 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 Newburyport is 161, which is 61% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Newburyport is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Newburyport falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Newburyport 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 171.4%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Newburyport Affordable?

Wondering if Newburyport 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 Newburyport, for example, the median home price is 227.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 40% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Newburyport boasting a median household income of $167,933, which is 106.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Newburyport?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Newburyport, the transportation index stands at 12.1% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Newburyport starts at 6.25% and the income tax rates start at 5%.

Where is the Data From?

The Newburyport 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 Newburyport is 23% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Newburyport is 61% higher than the national average
  • Newburyport housing is 171% 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 Newburyport

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Compare Newburyport, 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$200,335$16,695$4,674$6,011
      Renters$79,851$6,654$1,863$2,396
      The affordability of the housing market in Newburyport, MA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Newburyport homeowners, the median income is $200,335. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,674 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $79,851. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,863 for their rent related monthly 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.
      Exeter, NH9,64911312.8%
      Lawrence, MA82,02512525.4%
      Haverhill, MA65,50012828.3%
      Amesbury Town, MA17,91613130.9%
      Methuen Town, MA51,59013130.9%
      Newburyport, MA18,78816161.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bensenville, IL18,7971066.2%
      Arcata, CA18,79913332.8%
      Manchester, MO18,7711065.6%
      Midland, ON18,769n/a 
      Burlington, KY18,755963.6%
      Newburyport, MA18,78816161.0%
      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.