Acton, MA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Acton, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Acton, MA offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for families and professionals alike.

Last updated: September 2, 2026
Total Utilities$360/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index146 (+25% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$640,000
📷 Live Cameras — Acton
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Acton
Loading weather...
Acton's strong economy and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for families and professionals, driving up housing prices and rents. The town's proximity to Boston and major highways also makes it a hub for commuters.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Acton
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Acton?

Moving to Acton? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

$70/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

Acton Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2200/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$640,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Acton is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new construction. The town has a strong school system and a high quality of life, making it a desirable place to live. However, this comes at a cost, with high property values and taxes.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+25% above national average

Groceries

108

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 5.2% + No County tax + Local 0% (no additional local sales tax)</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax in Acton.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

8.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Acton has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a commuter rail station, but sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure can be limited in some areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Acton Memorial Library
  • 🎯
    NARA Park
  • 🎯
    Discovery Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as West Acton and South Acton, offer a mix of historic homes, parks, and amenities, making them popular with families. The town also has several conservation areas and trails, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Acton based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Acton — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Acton can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher gas costs in the winter for heating. Residents can expect to pay around 20-30% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01720 has a property tax millage rate of 12.34, with no local surtaxes. However, residents should note that property taxes can vary depending on the specific location and type of property.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10, with good sidewalk quality and park access, but limited elevator access in some transit areas and some infrastructure challenges for families with strollers.

📰 Latest MA Stories
Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population just shy of seven million, Massachusetts presents a classic trade-off for anyone considering a move:...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Considering a move to Massachusetts means weighing its reputation for top-tier education and historic charm against a notoriously...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a compelling but costly proposition. Home to nearly...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just under seven million—6,984,205 to be precise—Massachusetts is one of the most densely populated...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.