Living in Chelsea, MA: prices, taxes and commute
A compact city across the Mystic River from Boston, on the Silver Line and commuter rail.
Chelsea's single-family median was $387,000 in September 2026 on only 1 sale, and $711,000 over the past 12 months, +9.2% from a year earlier. The FY2026 tax rate is $11.48 per $1,000, with a 35% residential exemption for owner-occupants. Chelsea is on the MBTA Silver Line SL3, which runs to South Station through the Seaport, and has a stop on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line to North Station.
Chelsea by the numbers
Source: The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026), MLS PIN closed single-family sales for September 2026; Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates. Carrying cost assumes 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan and excludes insurance, HOA and maintenance. Annual tax on the September median at the FY2026 rate is about $4,443 before any exemption.
Every issue of The Context Report for Chelsea
| Issue | Median | Sales | Carrying cost / mo | 12-mo median | 12-mo change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1, June 2026 | $653,950 | 2 | $3,967 | $680,500 | +3.1% |
| No. 2, July 2026 (June 2026 sales) | $793,250 | 2 | $4,822 | $708,000 | +7.3% |
| No. 3, August 2026 (July 2026 sales) | $645,000 | 3 | $3,969 | $696,000 | +0.9% |
| No. 4, September 2026 (August 2026 sales) | $590,000 | 1 | $3,665 | $696,000 | +5.9% |
| No. 5, October 2026 (September 2026 sales) | $387,000 | 1 | $2,543 | $711,000 | +9.2% |
Homes in Chelsea
Chelsea's September single-family median of $387,000 ranked 26 of 26 Greater Boston towns with sales that month, below the regional middle of $950,000. The 12-month median of $711,000 is the steadier number, especially with so few sales in September. These figures cover single-family homes only; condos and multi-families are not included. Price depends heavily on the street and the house, so the town median is only a starting point. Ask us for recent sales of homes like yours.
Taxes and monthly cost
Chelsea's FY2026 residential rate is $11.48 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $11.51 in FY2025. A home assessed at $387,000 would pay about $4,443 a year in property tax. Chelsea offers a 35% residential exemption to owner-occupants, which lowers the bill on a primary residence. Owners have to apply with the assessor; it is not automatic. See how that compares on our property tax rates by town page.
Getting around
- Silver Line: SL3 stops in Chelsea, connecting to the Blue Line at Airport and to the Seaport and South Station.
- Commuter rail: Chelsea station on the Newburyport/Rockport Line to North Station.
- By car: Route 1 and the Tobin Bridge. Travel times vary a lot with traffic; test your own commute at rush hour.
Schedules change. Check mbta.com for current service before you count on a commute.
Schools, safety, water and flood data
We do not rate towns. These are the official sources, so you can look at the data yourself.
- Schools: Massachusetts DESE school and district profiles. Search for Chelsea to see enrollment, staffing, assessment results and more.
- Crime data: Massachusetts crime statistics, the state's public crime reporting site. The Chelsea police department also publishes local reports.
- Drinking water: MWRA drinking water quality reports (Chelsea is an MWRA water community).
- Flood zones: FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Enter the address. If a home is in a high-risk flood zone, lenders will require flood insurance, so check before you make an offer.
Chelsea has coastline or tidal waterfront. Some areas near the water are in mapped flood zones; check every address.
Sources
- The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026)
- Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates
- MBTA Silver Line
- MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line
Questions this page answers
What is the median home price in Chelsea, MA?
The single-family median in Chelsea was $387,000 in September 2026 on 1 sale, a small sample, so treat it with caution. Over the last 12 months it was $711,000, +9.2% from a year earlier.
What is the property tax rate in Chelsea?
Chelsea's FY2026 residential rate is $11.48 per $1,000 of assessed value, down from $11.51 in FY2025. The commercial rate is $23.79. Owner-occupants can apply for a 35% residential exemption.
How do you get from Chelsea to Boston?
Chelsea is on the MBTA Silver Line SL3, which runs to South Station through the Seaport, and has a stop on the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line to North Station.
Is Chelsea a good place to live?
That depends on what you need. This page lays out prices, taxes, commute options and links to public school, crime, water and flood data so you can decide for yourself.
How much does it cost per month to own a home in Chelsea?
About $2,543 a month in principal, interest and property tax on the September median, with 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan. Insurance and maintenance are extra.
Do I need to apply for the Chelsea residential exemption?
Yes. If you buy a home to live in, apply with the Chelsea assessor. The exemption is not automatic for new owners.