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Cost of Living in Chelsea

Is it better to rent or buy in Chelsea? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$86,083
$1,259/mo

Median in area: $1,259

$320,300

Median in area: $320,300

$64,060

If you Rent

$1,458 /mo
Base Rent$1,259
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income20.3%
Pre-tax Residual$5,716

If you Buy

$2,397 /mo
P&I (6.966%)$1,699
Taxes & Ins$499
Est. Utilities$199
% of Income33.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,777

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Chelsea?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Chelsea. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,458, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,397 per month (a difference of $939).

How much do utilities cost in Chelsea?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Chelsea is approximately $199. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Chelsea?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Chelsea without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $58,320 per year.