Holden, 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

Holden, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Holden, MA offers a charming small-town experience with easy access to nearby Worcester

Last updated: October 2, 2026
Total Utilities$380/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
📷 Live Cameras — Holden
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Holden
Loading weather...
Holden is experiencing growth in the tech and healthcare industries, with several major employers in the area. The town is also seeing an increase in remote workers and entrepreneurs, driving demand for coworking spaces and other amenities.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Holden
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Holden?

Moving to Holden? 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

$150/mo

National Grid
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Holden Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$380/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Holden is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years. Residents can expect to pay a premium for homes in desirable neighborhoods with good schools.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

100

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.25%
<p>State 5.2% + 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
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, technology, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic and transportation, public safety, and education funding
🚌 Transit for Families

The town has a limited public transportation system, but it is relatively stroller-friendly, with accessible sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Holden Recreation Department
  • 🎯
    Dawson Recreation Area
  • 🎯
    Worcester Art Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods of Holden Center and Dawson Village are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes, good schools, and community amenities. The town also has several parks and playgrounds, including the Dawson Recreation Area.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Residents are subject to town ordinances and zoning regulations, including rules for yard waste and snow removal

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.

📊 Holden — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Holden tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating costs, with average bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are relatively lower, but can still be impacted by air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01520 has a property tax millage rate of 1.25, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with good sidewalk quality, park access, and family infrastructure, but some limitations in elevator access in transit

📰 Latest MA Stories
Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026 Finklick tracks 278 cities across Massachusetts. Total state population: 6,984,205. Median...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 11, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 11, 2026

With a population just shy of seven million—6,984,205 as of the most recent estimates—Massachusetts is the third-most densely...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 10, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 10, 2026

Massachusetts presents a compelling paradox for those considering a move: it consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 09, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 09, 2026

For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a study in contrasts: world-class education and healthcare...

Read more →
Amazon

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

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.