Cost of Living in Chelsea
Chelsea's cost of living runs genuinely the most affordable of this Massachusetts Tier B batch on the housing side, disclosed honestly alongside the city's real, substantial poverty rate.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreThis batch's most affordable housing
Zillow's typical home value ran $484,603 (2026, +1.8% YoY); Redfin's median sale price ran a comparatively close $487,235 (June 2026) -- genuinely the most affordable of the four markets in this batch (base record).
A property tax bill substantially below the state average
Chelsea's FY2026 residential rate ($11.49 per $1,000), applied against its comparatively affordable typical home value, implies an approximate $5,568 annual bill -- genuinely, substantially below Massachusetts's own $7,838 statewide average (base record).
A real, disclosed lower household income and higher poverty rate
Chelsea's median household income ran approximately $72,179 (2023) -- below state and national medians -- with a real, disclosed poverty rate in a 19.5%-20.75% range, notably above the national average of 12.5% (base record).
Massachusetts's statewide flat 5% income tax applies identically
Massachusetts's real flat 5% income tax applies the same in Chelsea as anywhere else in the state -- see massachusetts.js.
Key takeaways
- Chelsea's typical home value ($484,603) is the most affordable in this Massachusetts Tier B batch.
- Chelsea's implied property tax bill (~$5,568) runs substantially below Massachusetts's own $7,838 statewide average.
- Median household income (~$72,179) runs below state and national medians, with a real, disclosed elevated poverty rate.
- Massachusetts's flat 5% income tax applies statewide, not as a Chelsea-specific cost.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Chelsea overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert