Cost of Living in Norfolk County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Norfolk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Norfolk County ranks #1,492 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Norfolk County, Massachusetts
Norfolk: Most balanced housing affordability
Norfolk County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% ranks as one of Massachusetts's most balanced, nearly matching the national average of 19.3% despite a median household income of $126,497. This county consistently delivers strong wage growth relative to housing costs, making it one of the state's affordability leaders.
Second-best affordability in Massachusetts
Norfolk ranks second only to Plymouth County among Massachusetts counties for rent-to-income balance, with a 19.7% ratio slightly above the state average of 19.3%. The county's median rent of $2,072 reflects suburban proximity to Boston, yet its high median income keeps the burden reasonable.
Balanced middle ground in greater Boston
Norfolk's $2,072 median rent sits between Middlesex's $2,126 and Plymouth's $1,655, while its $649,400 median home value aligns closely with Middlesex at $687,200. Among greater Boston suburbs, Norfolk offers the sweet spot of modest pricing with robust incomes.
Renters and buyers share similar burdens
Renters pay $2,072 monthly while homeowners spend $2,524, representing 19.7% and 20.1% of the $126,497 median income respectively. Norfolk's unusual harmony—where rents and mortgages impose nearly equal proportional burdens—reflects a mature suburban market with balanced supply.
The Goldilocks county for Boston commuters
Norfolk offers affluent suburban living with the most predictable housing costs in Massachusetts—ideal if you earn $120,000+ and want Boston access without premium pricing. If you're comparing moves across Massachusetts, Norfolk delivers better affordability than Middlesex with more amenities than Plymouth.
Cost of Living Advisory: Norfolk County
Affordability Verdict
Norfolk County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $2,072/month — about 19.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $2,072/month rent versus $2,524/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $452/month cheaper — a 18% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $82,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $108,171/year. With a median household income of $126,497, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Norfolk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Massachusetts, Norfolk County is less affordable than Middlesex County by roughly 3% ($2,072/mo vs $2,126/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Norfolk County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,952
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.9%
of gross income
The median home in Norfolk County may be a stretch
Median home value is $649,400. Estimated monthly cost: $5,184 vs. your max of $2,952.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Norfolk County, Massachusetts?
What is the median rent in Norfolk County?
Is Norfolk County affordable?
How does Norfolk County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Norfolk County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Norfolk County, Massachusetts? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Norfolk County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.