Cost of living in Essex County, MA
Population 807,258 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Essex County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Income and earnings in Essex County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Essex County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Essex County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Essex County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Essex County
State and local tax rates for Massachusetts.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Essex County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Essex County
What it costs to live in Essex County each month.
- Rent $1,307
- Energy $246
- Water $55
- Groceries $385
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $705
- State tax $221
- Rent $1,801
- Energy $295
- Water $65
- Groceries $638
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,298
- State tax $414
- Rent $1,880
- Energy $369
- Water $75
- Groceries $968
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,298
- State tax $414
Frequently asked questions about Essex County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Essex County?
In Essex County, MA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,307 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,801 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,880 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Essex County?
In Essex County, MA, the average household income is $99,431 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $53,125 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Essex County?
The estimated cost of living in Essex County, MA is approximately $3,649 per month for a single person, $5,725 for a couple, $8,004 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Essex County?
The combined sales tax rate in Essex County, MA is 6.25%, which includes the Massachusetts state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Essex County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Essex County, MA would need approximately $3,649 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $99,431 per year ($8,286 per month). Essex County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Essex County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Essex County, MA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 2.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Essex County?
The average home value in Essex County, MA is $584,000, with average annual property taxes of $6,267, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Essex County compare to other areas?
You can compare Essex County, MA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Essex County is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area.
Other counties in Massachusetts
Browse the full list of counties in Massachusetts, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in MassachusettsCompare Essex County with another area
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP