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Cost of Living in Somerville

Is it better to rent or buy in Somerville? 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.

$83,750
$848/mo

Median in area: $848

$300,600

Median in area: $300,600

$60,120

If you Rent

$1,113 /mo
Base Rent$848
Est. Utilities$265
% of Income15.9%
Pre-tax Residual$5,866

If you Buy

$2,241 /mo
P&I (7.059%)$1,609
Taxes & Ins$367
Est. Utilities$265
% of Income32.1%
Pre-tax Residual$4,738

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Somerville?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Somerville. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,113, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,241 per month (a difference of $1,128).

How much do utilities cost in Somerville?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Somerville is approximately $265. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Somerville?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Somerville without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $44,520 per year.