Cost of Living in Essex County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Essex County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Essex County ranks #1,764 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Essex County, Massachusetts
Essex County stretches budgets tighter than most
Essex County renters spend 20.2% of their income on housing, exceeding the national average and topping even Massachusetts' state median of 19.3%. With a median household income of $99,431 and rent at $1,673 monthly, Essex residents dedicate more to housing than nearly all comparable American counties.
Among Massachusetts' least affordable counties
Essex County ranks among the least affordable in Massachusetts with a rent-to-income ratio of 20.2%, nearly matching Barnstable's 20.3% burden. Its median rent of $1,673 is the highest among all eight surveyed counties, driven by proximity to Boston and coastal North Shore demand.
Boston-area premium outpaces inland rivals
Essex's rent of $1,673 significantly exceeds nearby inland counties like Hampshire ($1,332) and Franklin ($1,169), reflecting Boston's suburban housing crunch. Home values ($584,000) approach Barnstable's, but Essex rents climb higher—a sign of sustained demand from commuters to metro Boston.
Both renters and buyers face steep costs
Renters allocate 20.2% of income to $1,673 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 27.9% to a $2,317 monthly payment on homes worth $584,000. Essex imposes the state's second-highest housing burden overall, squeezing household budgets regardless of tenure.
North Shore convenience comes at a premium price
Moving to Essex County means paying substantially more for housing than western Massachusetts alternatives—rent here is 50% higher than Berkshire's. If commuting to Boston is essential, Essex delivers access; if flexibility exists, Bristol, Hampshire, or Berkshire counties offer comparable quality of life at significantly lower cost.
Cost of Living Advisory: Essex County
Affordability Verdict
Essex County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,673/month representing approximately 20.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,673/month rent versus $2,317/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $644/month cheaper — a 28% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $66,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $99,300/year. With a median household income of $99,431, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Essex County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Barnstable County where rent averages $1,596/month, Essex County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Essex County
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,320
per month
Owner Cost Burden
28.0%
of gross income
The median home in Essex County may be a stretch
Median home value is $584,000. Estimated monthly cost: $4,662 vs. your max of $2,320.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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