Cost of Living in Chelsea, MA
Population: 39,460 • 2026 Data
$72,220
Median Household Income
-7% vs national
$1,859
Median Monthly Rent
+38% vs national
$476,500
Median Home Value
+41% vs national
8.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Chelsea
The median home value in Chelsea, MA is $476,500. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,859, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,939.
Rent-to-income ratio: 30.9%. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, indicating housing costs may be a burden for median-income households.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Chelsea, MA is $72,220. The unemployment rate stands at 8.8%, with a labor force of 20,648 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.