Newton, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Newton, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Newton, MA offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban amenities just outside of Boston.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$370/mo
1BR Rent$1800/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index146 (+20% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$640,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Newton
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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

Newton 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$640,000
Property Tax Rate1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

Newton’s housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new construction. The city has a strong demand for housing, driven by its excellent schools and convenient location. As a result, prices can be steep, but the quality of life is high.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

146

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+20% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

95

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

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

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

8.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, housing affordability, school overcrowding
🚌 Transit for Families

Newton has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with many bus routes and the commuter rail, but some areas can be challenging to navigate with a stroller due to hills and uneven sidewalks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Newton Centre Playground
  • 🎯
    Crystal Lake
  • 🎯
    Newton Free Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Newton include Newton Centre, Waban, and Auburndale, which offer a mix of parks, playgrounds, and community events. These areas are also close to top-rated schools and have a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Newton has regulations around zoning, parking, and waste management, and is known for its strict building codes and permitting process.

Newton is seeing a surge in tech industry growth, with many startups and established companies setting up shop in the city. This trend is driving up housing prices and changing the local economy.

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📊 Newton — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Newton can fluctuate significantly by season, with summer months seeing higher electricity costs due to air conditioning usage, and winter months seeing higher gas costs due to heating. Residents can expect to pay around 10-20% more for utilities during these peak seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.15 to 1.35, with no local surtaxes specific to Newton county

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score: 7, Newton has good sidewalk quality and many parks, but some areas can be challenging to navigate with a stroller due to hills and uneven sidewalks, and elevator access in transit can be limited.

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