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Ipswich, MA vs Palmer Town, MA

130
Ipswich
Massachusetts
VS
+49.3%
87
Palmer Town
Massachusetts

The cost of living difference between Ipswich, MA and Palmer Town, MA is dramatic. Palmer Town is 49.3% cheaper than Ipswich, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ipswich has a cost index of 130 while Palmer Town sits at 87, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ipswich is $1,456/month compared to $1,041/month in Palmer Town — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Palmer Town is more affordable at $255,000 median vs $570,500.

Median household income in Ipswich is $92,969 compared to $78,789 in Palmer Town (+18%). Ipswich does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ipswich spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in Palmer Town.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.9°F vs 49.4°F). Palmer Town receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 44.9" in Ipswich.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Ipswich
130
Palmer Town
87
33% cheaper
Median Household Income
Ipswich
$92,969
15% higher
Palmer Town
$78,789

Housing

Median Rent
Ipswich
$1,456
Palmer Town
$1,041
29% cheaper
Median Home Value
Ipswich
$570,500
Palmer Town
$255,000
55% cheaper
Population
Ipswich
4,806
Palmer Town
12,372

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Ipswich $3.09
Palmer Town $3.03
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Ipswich $2.52
Palmer Town $2.47
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Ipswich $4.06
Palmer Town $3.98
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Ipswich $1.87
Palmer Town $1.83
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Ipswich $4.18
Palmer Town $4.09
US $4.14
Electricity
Ipswich $0.33
Palmer Town $0.29
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Ipswich 49.9°F
Palmer Town 49.4°F
Summer High
Ipswich 82°F
Palmer Town 85°F
Winter Low
Ipswich 20°F
Palmer Town 16°F
Rainfall
Ipswich 44.9"
Palmer Town 45.2"
Rainy Days
Ipswich 138d
Palmer Town 137d