Cost of Living in Milton, MA

With a cost of living index of 158, Milton, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 58% more expensive than the national average and 28% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. With a population of 28,481, Milton is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Milton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,503 (14% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $896,500 (194% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Milton is $178,053, which is 137% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 10% 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 Milton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.7°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 53.3 inches spread over roughly 143 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.