Massachusetts housing costs at a glance
| Massachusetts | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $669,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.95% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 1.1% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $1,956 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 in most counties; higher in greater Boston – check the FHFA table for your county |
Example: median-priced home
Massachusetts home for $669,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $3,383 + property tax $613 + insurance $163 = about $4,159 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Massachusetts property tax
Each city and town sets its own residential tax rate, quoted per $1,000 of assessed value. The average effective rate is about 0.95%, but it ranges from roughly 0.6% in Boston, which also gives owner-occupants a large residential exemption, to 1.2%–1.6% in many suburbs. Proposition 2½ limits a town's total levy to 2.5% growth a year unless voters approve an override, so bills tend to rise steadily rather than jump.
Other Massachusetts costs
- Deed excise tax: $4.56 per $1,000 of the price ($3.42 in Barnstable County), paid by the seller.
- Insurance: about $1,960 a year for $300,000 of dwelling coverage; coastal homes on Cape Cod cost more.
- See also the Massachusetts paycheck calculator for the 5% income tax and PFML.
Other states
See also the Massachusetts paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Massachusetts?
About 0.95% of home value on average; around 0.6% in Boston for owner-occupants and 1.2% to 1.6% in many suburbs.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Massachusetts home?
On a $669,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $3,383; with property tax at 1.1% and average insurance the total is about $4,159 a month.
Who pays the deed excise tax in Massachusetts?
The seller: $4.56 per $1,000 of the sale price in most counties.
What is Proposition 2½?
A Massachusetts law that limits the growth of each town's total property tax levy to 2.5% a year unless voters approve an override.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- Massachusetts Division of Local Services – tax rates
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026