Shirley, 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

Shirley, MA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$340,000
📷 Live Cameras — Shirley
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Shirley
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Shirley
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Shirley?

Moving to Shirley? 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

$140/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Shirley Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Shirley is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Prices have been rising steadily over the past few years, but remain relatively affordable compared to other parts of the state. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in terms of inventory.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

92

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

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of liberal and conservative views represented in the community.
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Shirley has a limited public transit system, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Shirley Public Library
  • 🎯
    Lake Shirley
  • 🎯
    Devens Recreation Area

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods are popular with families, offering a mix of older and newer homes, as well as access to local parks and amenities. The area around Lake Shirley is also desirable, with its scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

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.

📊 Shirley — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Shirley tend to be higher in the winter months, due to the need for heating, with average bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In the summer, costs are lower, but may still be higher than in other parts of the country due to the need for air conditioning.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01464 has a property tax millage rate of 18.45, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Shirley has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the town's infrastructure is not always well-suited for families with young children, with some areas lacking elevators or other accessibility features.

📰 Latest MA Stories
Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population just shy of seven million, Massachusetts presents a classic trade-off for anyone considering a move:...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Considering a move to Massachusetts means weighing its reputation for top-tier education and historic charm against a notoriously...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a compelling but costly proposition. Home to nearly...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just under seven million—6,984,205 to be precise—Massachusetts is one of the most densely populated...

Read more →
Amazon

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

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.