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Cost of Living in Wakefield

Is it better to rent or buy in Wakefield? 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.

$228,484
$2,786/mo

Median in area: $2,786

$851,999

Median in area: $851,999

$170,400

If you Rent

$2,994 /mo
Base Rent$2,786
Est. Utilities$208
% of Income15.7%
Pre-tax Residual$16,046

If you Buy

$5,500 /mo
P&I (6.789%)$4,439
Taxes & Ins$853
Est. Utilities$208
% of Income28.9%
Pre-tax Residual$13,541

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Wakefield?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Wakefield. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,994, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $5,500 per month (a difference of $2,506).

How much do utilities cost in Wakefield?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Wakefield is approximately $208. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Wakefield?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Wakefield without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $119,760 per year.