Medford, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Medford, MA Utility & Living Guide

Medford may refer to:Medford (surname)

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$370/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index146 (+20% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$430,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Medford
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

Medford Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$370/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1800/mo
2 Bedrooms$2200/mo
3 Bedrooms$2800/mo
Median Home Price$430,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

Medford’s housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of old and new homes, and a strong demand for rentals. The city is investing in new developments and infrastructure to support its growing population. However, affordability remains a challenge for many residents

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+20% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

114

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 1.05% option tax</p>

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

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
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in healthcare, education, and technology
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Medford has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and trains, but some areas can be challenging to navigate with a stroller

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Mystic River Reservation
  • 🎯
    Medford Public Library
  • 🎯
    Tufts University campus

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Medford include Wellington, West Medford, and downtown Medford, which offer a mix of parks, schools, and community amenities. These areas are also relatively safe and have a strong sense of community

Household Budget Calculator

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

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📊 Medford — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

In Medford, utility costs tend to be higher in the winter due to heating costs, with average monthly bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a smaller increase in utility costs due to air conditioning usage

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.15 to 1.30, with no local surtaxes specific to Medford county

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, but some areas lack elevator access in public transit and have limited family infrastructure

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