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Transparent & data-driven

How We Ranked the Most Expensive Places

Each city is scored across five weighted categories using daily MLS data and verified government stats. Every metric is benchmarked against both its state average and the national average — dual benchmarking — so a market isn’t judged expensive just for sitting in a high-cost state.

Scoring weights

  • Housing Costs40%

    Sale price, price per sq ft & high-value concentration vs. state and national benchmarks.

  • Rent Burden20%

    Median rent, rent-to-income ratio & rental demand vs. state and national medians.

  • Income vs. Cost Imbalance15%

    The gap between median household income and the cost of living for the area.

  • Market Demand Intensity15%

    Turnover, scarcity, days on market & buyer competition from Houzeo’s live MLS feed.

  • Cost of Living10%

    Utilities, transportation & everyday goods vs. state and national averages — the tiebreaker.

Our data sources

MLS metrics update daily; government data is added on each agency’s release schedule.

Your New Home is Waiting for You in Massachusetts

Best Expensive Places to Retire in Massachusetts

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Top 3 Most Expensive Massachusetts Cities Worth It for Families

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Top 3 Most Expensive Cities Worth It for Young Adults

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Cost of Living in Massachusetts's Most Expensive Cities

High home prices are only part of the equation in Massachusetts's priciest markets. Groceries, utilities, and insurance all run above the national average. Coastal homeowner's insurance alone can add thousands to your annual budget. Here is what to expect across five of Massachusetts's most expensive cities.

CityMedian Home PriceMedian RentCost of LivingRank
West Tisbury $4,150,000$12,000arrow 130% above national avg1/10
Duxbury $3,050,000$3,332arrow 106% above national avg2/10
Needham $2,100,000$3,758arrow 65% above national avg3/10
Wellesley $1,825,000$4,039arrow 94% above national avg4/10
Lexington $1,662,500$3,574arrow 72% above national avg5/10

Safest Places to Live in Massachusetts

Safety is a key factor for many people moving to Massachusetts. These cities rank among the safest in the state based on the latest FBI crime data. They report lower rates of violent and property crime than the Massachusetts average. You can explore the full list in our safest places to live in Massachusetts rankings.

Rank#1

Arlington

95/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#2

Franklin

94/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#3

Clinton

93/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#4

Newton

92/100

Score

Safest Safest

Rank#5

Brookline

87/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I Buy a House in an Expensive Area in Massachusetts?

Why Is Housing So Expensive in Massachusetts?

What Should I Know Before Moving to Massachusetts?

Is Cambridge Expensive to Live In?

What Is the Best Boston Suburb for Families?

Is Somerville a Good Place for Young Professionals?

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Based on information from the Cape Cod and Islands Multiple Listing Service, Inc. through Sep 15, 2026, 7:30 PM. Information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use, it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing, and the data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. This website may not include listings or property addresses of sellers who have directed their listing brokers to withhold their listing or their property address from display on the Internet. © 2026 Cape Cod & Islands Multiple Listing Service, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Based on information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering through Sep 15, 2026, 7:30 PM. The property listing data and information, or the Images, set forth herein were provided to MLS Property Information Network, Inc. from third-party sources, including sellers, lessors and public records, and were compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. The property listing data and information, and the Images, are for the personal, non-commercial use of consumers having a good faith interest in purchasing or leasing listed properties of the type displayed to them and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties which such consumers may have a good faith interest in purchasing or leasing. MLS Property Information Network, Inc. and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations and warranties as to the accuracy of the property listing data and information, or as to the accuracy of any of the Images, set forth herein. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified. © 2026 MLS Property Information Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.