Cost of Living in Gloucester, MA - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,673 per month with rent, or $1,219 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,854 per month with rent, or $1,897 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $5,034 per month with rent, or $2,575 without housing.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$19.11 $19.11
$12.07 $12.07
$35.43 $35.43
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$75.6 $75.6
$50.4 $50.4
$126 $126
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$10.92 $10.92
$9.87 $9.87
$13.89 $13.89
Cappuccino
$5.19 $5.19
$3.57 $3.57
$8.15 $8.15
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.52 $2.52
$1.99 $1.99
$3.98 $3.98
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.95 $1.95
$1.46 $1.46
$2.92 $2.92
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.08 $6.08
$4.05 $4.05
$8.61 $8.61
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.02 $7.02
$5.01 $5.01
$10.03 $10.03
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.04 $1.04
$0.77 $0.77
$1.48 $1.48
White Bread (500g)
$3.59 $3.59
$2.20 $2.20
$5.64 $5.64
Rice (white) (1kg)
$4.29 $4.29
$2.06 $2.06
$8.48 $8.48
Eggs
$4.14 $4.14
$1.97 $1.97
$6.90 $6.90
Local Cheese (1kg)
$12.36 $12.36
$7.06 $7.06
$22.23 $22.23
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.42 $11.42
$6.09 $6.09
$19.70 $19.70
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$15.73 $15.73
$10.11 $10.11
$24.72 $24.72
Apples (1kg)
$4.90 $4.90
$2.55 $2.55
$8.80 $8.80
Banana (1kg)
$1.64 $1.64
$1.13 $1.13
$4.28 $4.28
Oranges (1kg)
$4.14 $4.14
$2.14 $2.14
$8.58 $8.58
Tomato (1kg)
$4.76 $4.76
$2.22 $2.22
$8.87 $8.87
Potato (1kg)
$2.91 $2.91
$1.35 $1.35
$6.31 $6.31
Onion (1kg)
$2.89 $2.89
$1.86 $1.86
$4.48 $4.48
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.10 $2.10
$1.41 $1.41
$3.05 $3.05
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.13 $2.13
$1.19 $1.19
$3.22 $3.22
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.61 $9.61
$8.01 $8.01
$12.02 $12.02
Wine (Bottle)
$14.79 $14.79
$9.85 $9.85
$24.66 $24.66
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.80 $1.80
$1.72 $1.72
$2.84 $2.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.45 $3.45
$1.64 $1.64
$6.16 $6.16
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.26 $1.26
$2.02 $2.02
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.52 $30.52
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$3.46 $3.46
$2.97 $2.97
$4.94 $4.94
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.58 $1.58
$1.51 $1.51
$2.11 $2.11
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$28.89 $28.89
$26.13 $26.13
$34.64 $34.64
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.89 $0.89
$0.79 $0.79
$1.04 $1.04
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$29.2K $29.2K
$23.3K $23.3K
$35.5K $35.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.8K $25.8K
$25.2K $25.2K
$27.2K $27.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$186 $186
$119 $119
$341 $341
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$53.8 $53.8
$30.55 $30.55
$102 $102
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$68.3 $68.3
$50.4 $50.4
$101 $101
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$42.45 $42.45
$17.28 $17.28
$49.36 $49.36
Cinema Ticket
$13.63 $13.63
$11.10 $11.10
$18.17 $18.17
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,292 $1,292
$995 $995
$1,838 $1,838
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.6K $23.6K
$16.9K $16.9K
$27.4K $27.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$51.9 $51.9
$30.44 $30.44
$81.2 $81.2
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$39.37 $39.37
$24.60 $24.60
$64.0 $64.0
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$148 $148
$98.7 $98.7
$197 $197
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$114 $114
$65.1 $65.1
$203 $203
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,583 $1,583
$1,187 $1,187
$1,979 $1,979
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,367 $1,367
$1,010 $1,010
$1,515 $1,515
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$3,056 $3,056
$2,547 $2,547
$3,566 $3,566
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,193 $2,193
$1,677 $1,677
$2,467 $2,467
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,387 $2,387
$1,754 $1,754
$2,387 $2,387
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,071 $2,071
$1,678 $1,678
$2,071 $2,071
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,393 $2,393
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.51
6.19
7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,583, dropping to $1,367 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 66% of the average salary ($2,393) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $2,393 – below monthly costs of $2,673. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $390 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $76.0.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $30.52.

Cost Highlights

Gloucester, MA is more expensive than 90% of cities worldwide and 76% within North America.

Gloucester, MA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Upload
Mbps
Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Gloucester, MA - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gloucester compare in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find good value here?
Cost of Living in Gloucester, MA, United States is reasonable for a coastal town, particularly if you value a smaller-city vibe with access to nature and maritime culture. You’ll notice housing spans historic cottages near the harbor to modern apartments inland, with seasonality nudging demand up in peak months. Dining out is often affordable in off-peak times, and local markets offer fresh seafood and produce close to home. For nomads, a mix of coworking spaces and library resources helps you stay connected without overpaying. Tip: Plot a two-week neighborhood tour to find your best base before you commit.
What does daily life look like for someone renting, eating, and moving around Gloucester?
Gloucester blends a harbor-town vibe with easy access to nature, making daily life feel compact yet varied. When you’re housing-hunting, look for walkable areas near the harbor or downtown for cafes and coworking, while keeping a backup option inland for quieter evenings. Food options range from casual seafood spots to farmers’ markets and small grocers; cooking at home can stretch your budget, and fish markets offer local catch. Getting around is practical via bike lanes, sidewalks, and a regional bus network; weekend trips to nearby towns are a breeze. Knowing the Gloucester, MA, United States living cost helps you plan groceries, transport, and housing searches. Tip: Create a weekly route that minimizes backtracking.
How can you optimize budgeting and neighborhood fit to maximize quality of life during a longer stay in Gloucester?
To balance life and money, use a simple budgeting framework: lock in essential costs, set flexible spending for dining and activities, and keep a small buffer for surprises. Quality of life in Gloucester improves when you pick a neighborhood that matches your pace – historic downtown for social life, or calmer inland blocks for routines and late-evening work. Seasonality shapes options, from outdoor activities to gallery openings; plan visits around shoulder seasons to avoid crowds. Build a neighborhood scouting plan, try short-term leases or month-to-month stays, and test transit and bike routes before committing. Tip: Align your stay with nearby day trips to recharge.
What drives the high cost of living in Gloucester, MA?
Gloucester, MA is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,673. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.
How expensive is daily life in Gloucester, MA?
There's no getting around it – Gloucester, MA is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,673, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.
Is the average income in Gloucester, MA enough to cover living costs and save?
The average net salary in Gloucester, MA is about $2,393, while comfortable living starts around $4,010. With total costs hitting $2,673 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How affordable is housing in Gloucester, MA?
Rent hits hard in Gloucester, MA – 1-bedroom apartments range from $1,367 to $1,583 per month, and housing is the biggest single expense for most residents. Competition for well-connected central apartments is fierce.
How much does grocery shopping cost per month in Gloucester, MA?
Groceries are expensive in Gloucester, MA – about $390 per month for one person. Imported goods and organic products are widely available but pricey. Local markets and discount stores help, but food is a noticeable budget item.
What is a monthly transit pass in Gloucester, MA?
Public transport in Gloucester, MA costs about $30.52 per month – usually unlimited rides on buses, metro, or trams within the main zone. Much cheaper than owning a car, and the practical choice for most residents.
Can a person live on $2,500 monthly in Gloucester, MA?
$2,500 in Gloucester, MA is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,673, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.
How welcoming is Gloucester, MA to foreigners?
Gloucester, MA has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. fast internet, low crime rates, clean air smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $2,673 including housing.

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