Key takeaway
The cost of living in Framingham is higher than the national average, mostly because of housing. Cost of living index sources put Framingham at roughly 44% to 47% above the U.S. average, but still well below Boston and Cambridge. The median household income is about $98,000, and the residential property tax rate for fiscal 2026 is $11.83 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Who this is for: anyone planning a move to Framingham, comparing Framingham to another town, or trying to get a handle on living expenses in 2026.
Framingham has changed a lot. It became a city in 2018, downtown Framingham has new apartments and restaurants, and housing prices have climbed with the rest of MetroWest. Here's what you should know before moving to Framingham, with the numbers that matter most.
Cost of Living in Framingham: Is It Higher Than the National Average?
A cost of living index sets the U.S. average at 100. Framingham lands around 144 to 147, depending on the source. That's well above the national average, roughly in line with similar MetroWest towns, and far below Cambridge.
| Cost of living comparison | Framingham |
|---|---|
| Overall cost of living index (U.S. = 100) | About 144 to 147 |
| Housing index vs. U.S. average | About 111% higher |
| Healthcare costs vs. U.S. average | About 13% higher |
| Groceries vs. U.S. average | About 5% higher |
| Median household income | $98,179 |
| Median home value | $600,600 |
| Median gross rent | $1,853 a month |
| FY2026 residential tax rate | $11.83 per $1,000 |
Sources: index figures from C2ER-based estimates (AreaVibes) and USCostOfLiving; income, home value and rent from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2019 to 2023); tax rate from the City of Framingham Assessor. Index estimates are updated quarterly or yearly, so treat them as a range.
Using a Cost of Living Calculator to Compare the Cost of Living
Boston vs Framingham? Boston and Cambridge cost noticeably more, especially for rent. Natick or Wellesley vs Framingham? Framingham usually comes in lower on home price. If you're using a cost of living calculator to compare one place compared to another, put in the same household and spending habits for both. The estimated salary change it gives you shows what the cost difference would be if you move to another city, but it's only as good as the inputs. Use it to help you decide, not as the final word on your standard of living.
Housing Cost in Framingham
Housing is the biggest reason Framingham comes with higher living costs. The Census Bureau puts the median home value at about $600,600, and recent selling prices have run higher than that. Median gross rent is about $1,853 a month, and a newer two-bedroom apartment near downtown Framingham or Route 9 often costs more.
Older Homes in Nobscot, Saxonville and West Framingham
About 55% of homes are owner-occupied. If you're purchasing a home, budget for more than the price:
- closing costs and moving costs
- property taxes and homeowners insurance
- heating, which is a big line item in the winter months
- repairs on older homes, which are common in neighborhoods like Nobscot, Saxonville and west Framingham
The cost of buying is higher than renting up front, but it locks in your housing expenses in a way rent doesn't.
Property Taxes in Framingham
Framingham's fiscal 2026 residential tax rate is $11.83 per $1,000 of assessed value, down slightly from $11.94 in fiscal 2025. The city uses a split tax rate, so businesses pay a higher rate than homeowners. In fiscal 2025, the average single-family tax bill in Framingham was about $7,800, close to the state average. Massachusetts has no county or city sales tax, so the 6.25% state rate is all you pay on most purchases.
Utility and Energy Costs in Framingham
Utility bills add up here, especially in winter. Framingham averages around 50 inches of snow a year, compared to a national average of 28 inches, so expect to pay more for heat than in most of the country. Eversource delivers electricity and natural gas in Framingham. The city runs water, sewer, trash and recycling. Eversource's basic service supply rate for eastern Massachusetts homes is 17.32 cents per kilowatt-hour from August 2026 through January 2027, and Massachusetts electric rates are among the highest in the U.S. Water and sewer rates went up for fiscal 2026 because of higher MWRA charges.
Goods and Services, Healthcare and Childcare
Everyday expenses like groceries and gas run only a little above the national average. Healthcare costs are higher, about 13% above the U.S. average by one estimate, but access to healthcare is good: MetroWest Medical Center is in Framingham, and Boston's hospitals are a short drive away. Childcare is one of the costs that contribute most to a family budget anywhere in Massachusetts, and Framingham is no exception. Basic necessities cost more here than in most of the country, but they're in line with the rest of MetroWest.
Salary, Jobs and Household Income in Framingham
Major Employers: TJX, Bose and Framingham State University
Earning potential helps balance the costs. Framingham's median household income is about $98,000, a little below the Massachusetts median and well above the national one. Major employers include TJX, which is headquartered here, Bose Corporation, MetroWest Medical Center and Framingham State University. Framingham's population is about 72,000, which makes it one of the larger cities in the state.
If you're weighing a change of location, compare your salary against the change in cost of living, not just the price of a house.
Getting Around: Commuter Rail and Highways
Framingham sits between Boston and Worcester, with the Mass Pike, Route 9 and Route 126 running through it. The commuter rail stops downtown on the Framingham/Worcester Line, which gives commuters a way into Boston without driving. Most households here still rely on a car, so plan for gas, insurance and excise tax.
Affordability: How Framingham Homeowners Lower Their Living Costs
A few things make a real difference on monthly costs:
- Energy efficiency. A Mass Save home energy assessment and weatherization can cut heating costs.
- Your electricity supply. Compare basic service with Framingham Community Electricity, the city's group buying program.
- Solar. For homes with a good roof, solar panels can lower electric bills for years.
Affordability isn't just about bills. Framingham offers a lot that doesn't cost much, including Lake Cochituate beaches and Saxonville Beach in the summer, Callahan State Park for hiking, and Garden in the Woods for an afternoon outside.
Want a lower electric bill in Framingham?
Mark Featherstone was born and raised in Framingham and has helped more than 1,000 happy customers go solar. Give Mark your address and he'll tell you if solar makes sense for your home.
Mark, run my numbers!Is Living in Framingham Worth the Cost?
For a lot of people, yes. Framingham comes with higher living costs than most of the U.S., but you get jobs close to home, a direct train to Boston, and housing that usually costs less than towns closer to the city. Whether it fits your budget comes down to your housing expenses, your salary and how much you drive.
FAQs About the Cost of Living in Framingham
Is Framingham expensive to live in?
It's more expensive than most of the U.S., mostly because of housing. Cost of living estimates put Framingham roughly 44% to 47% above the national average, but it's usually more affordable than Boston, Cambridge and nearby towns like Natick.
What salary do you need to live in Framingham?
It depends on your household and housing. The median household income in Framingham is about $98,000. A cost of living calculator can help you estimate a salary for your situation.
What is the property tax rate in Framingham for 2026?
The fiscal 2026 residential rate is $11.83 per $1,000 of assessed value, according to the City of Framingham Assessor.
How much is rent in Framingham?
The Census Bureau's median gross rent for Framingham is about $1,853 a month. Newer apartments near downtown and Route 9 often run higher.
What should I know before moving to Framingham?
Budget for housing, winter heating and a car. Framingham is a city of about 72,000 with commuter rail to Boston, a mix of older neighborhoods and new development downtown, and plenty of parks and beaches.
About Mark Featherstone
Mark has been in solar for 14+ years, working at some of the biggest solar companies in the country, before co-founding Your World Solutions. His goal is simple: help homeowners get into solar deals that actually work for them, and make sure they understand every part of it before they sign.