Florence, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Florence, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Florence, MA offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals alike.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1300/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Florence
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Northampton Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms$2300/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Florence is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new constructions. The area is popular with families and young professionals, driving up demand and prices. Rentals are also in high demand, particularly in the downtown area.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

95

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.25%
<p>State 6.25% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in education, healthcare, and technology
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, and preserving community character
🚌 Transit for Families

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) provides public transportation in the area, with some stroller-friendly buses and a relatively walkable downtown area.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Look Park
  • 🎯
    Holyoke Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Bay State Village and Florence Heights, are popular with families due to their walkability, parks, and access to local amenities. The area is also home to several highly-rated schools.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Florence has regulations in place to preserve its historic character, including restrictions on exterior renovations and signage.

The current financial trend in Florence is a growing demand for housing and commercial space, driven by the area's popularity with families and young professionals. This has led to an increase in property values and rents, making it a challenging market for first-time buyers.

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📊 Florence — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Florence tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating costs, with the average electric bill increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively stable, with some increase in electric bills due to air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01062 has a property tax millage rate of 1.25, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, making it easy to navigate with a stroller, although some areas may have limited elevator access in public buildings.

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