Cost of Living in Swampscott, MA

With a cost of living index of 163, Swampscott, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 63% more expensive than the national average and 33% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. Swampscott is a smaller community of 15,209 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Swampscott's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,223 (69% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $690,800 (127% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.4x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Swampscott is $128,964, which is 72% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 21% 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 Swampscott. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.9°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.9 inches spread over roughly 138 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.