Cost of Living in Marion Center, MA

With a cost of living index of 162, Marion Center, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 62% more expensive than the national average and 32% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. Marion Center is a small community of 1,159 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Marion Center's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,368 (80% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $622,600 (104% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Marion Center is $180,130, which is 140% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Marion Center. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.4°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 32°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches spread over roughly 141 days.

Everyday prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.