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Cost of Living in Needham

Is it better to rent or buy in Needham? 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.

$44,792
$547/mo

Median in area: $547

$116,000

Median in area: $116,000

$23,200

If you Rent

$720 /mo
Base Rent$547
Est. Utilities$173
% of Income19.3%
Pre-tax Residual$3,013

If you Buy

$925 /mo
P&I (6.999%)$617
Taxes & Ins$135
Est. Utilities$173
% of Income24.8%
Pre-tax Residual$2,807

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Needham?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Needham. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $720, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $925 per month (a difference of $205).

How much do utilities cost in Needham?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Needham is approximately $173. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Needham?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Needham without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $28,800 per year.