F
53%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
147%
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 Woburn Massachusetts National
Cost of living153131100
Groceries108109100
Health care116116100
Housing247169100
Transportation112115100
Utilities115117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116115100
Household Items107109100
Education & Childcare122127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Woburn, MA

Understanding the cost of living in Woburn 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 Woburn cost of living index is 153, which is 53% 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 prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Woburn may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Woburn falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Woburn 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 147.4% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Woburn Affordable?

Is Woburn 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 Woburn, the median home price is 175.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 82.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Woburn boasting a median household income of $136,048, 67.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Woburn?

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

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 Woburn, the transportation index is 12.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Woburn, healthcare costs are 15.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Woburn cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Woburn is 17% higher than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Woburn is 53% higher than the national average
  • Woburn housing is 147% 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 Woburn

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Compare Woburn, 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$172,748$14,396$4,031$5,183
      Renters$104,863$8,739$2,447$3,146
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Woburn, 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 Woburn homeowners, is $172,748. This would allow for a maximum of $4,031 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $104,863 which would result in a maximum of $2,447 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.
      Lawrence, MA82,02512525.4%
      Lowell, MA114,17012625.9%
      Lynn, MA97,23513434.4%
      Salem, MA44,88113535.3%
      Chelsea, MA41,00013535.2%
      Woburn, MA41,79415353.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Danville, VA41,7839010.3%
      Newnan, GA41,7651065.8%
      Timmins, ON41,763n/a 
      Florence, AL41,7568911.0%
      Covington, KY41,8478712.6%
      Woburn, MA41,79415353.4%
      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.