Cost of Living in Lawrence, MA (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $1,116/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $60,433
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 105.8 (above national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $266/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 22% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $405
- Monthly surplus
- $1,963
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $3,553
- Comfortable budget
- $2,487
Lawrence, MA vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $60,433 | -22% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $415,200 | +22% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,116 | -14% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,698 | +16% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 98.8 | -1% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $266 | +30% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Lawrence
Rent in Lawrence runs $1,116 for a one-bedroom — about 14% below the national median of $1,300. The median household income here is $60,433, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 22% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $415,200 is about 6.9× median income — well above the 3× rule of thumb, making ownership a stretch on a typical local salary. That's 22% above the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities here run about $266/month — 30% above the national average of $205, driven by local climate and energy rates. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Lawrence?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Lawrence, MA — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/lawrence-ma
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.