Onset, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Onset, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Onset, MA offers a unique blend of coastal charm and small-town community with easy access to Cape Cod's natural beauty

Last updated: September 18, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$380,000
📷 Live Cameras — Onset
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🌤️ Live Weather — Onset
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Onset is experiencing a surge in popularity as a summer destination, driving up housing prices and rental rates. However, the town's small business community is thriving, with new shops and restaurants opening to cater to the growing tourist population.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Onset
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Wareham Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$380,000
Property Tax Rate1.35%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The Onset housing market is characterized by a mix of older and newer homes, with a growing demand for waterfront properties. Rentals are scarce, and prices are rising due to the town’s popularity as a summer destination. Homebuyers can expect to find a range of options, from cozy cottages to larger family homes.

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 Rate1.35%
<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

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, hospitality, and small business
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, parking, and environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Onset has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Onset Beach
  • 🎯
    Shell Point Beach
  • 🎯
    Cape Cod Children's Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The village center and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming and family-friendly atmosphere, with easy access to parks, beaches, and local amenities. The Onset Bay neighborhood is particularly popular with families, offering stunning waterfront views and a strong sense of community.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Onset has regulations in place to protect its coastal environment and historic districts, including restrictions on new development and renovations

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📊 Onset — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Onset fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning usage and higher heating oil bills in the winter. Residents can expect to pay around 20-30% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 02558 has a property tax millage rate of 1.35%, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, due to limited sidewalk infrastructure and uneven pavement in some areas, but with plenty of parks and outdoor spaces for families to enjoy

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