Cost of Living in Scituate, MA

With a cost of living index of 121, Scituate, MA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 21% more expensive than the national average and 9% below the Massachusetts state average of 129. Scituate is a smaller community of 5,602 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Scituate's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $811 (39% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $699,200 (129% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Scituate is $126,379, which is 68% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 8% 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 Scituate. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 31°F. Annual rainfall totals 48 inches spread over roughly 151 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.