Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, known for its historical significance, prestigious educational institutions, and vibrant cultural scene, offers a range of living experiences. Landmarks such as Harvard University, the Freedom Trail in Boston, and Cape Cod National Seashore showcase the state's diverse attractions. The state's economy is diverse and robust, driven by sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. Massachusetts' tax structure includes relatively high income and property taxes, which can impact the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Massachusetts remains one of the more affordable states in the New England region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Massachusetts an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Massachusetts can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a key factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its cultural richness and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

North Adams Population: 12,897 28% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $149,300 Med. Rent: $782 Med. Household Inc.: $49,123

With a cost of living index that is 28% cheaper than the state average, North Adams is the cheapest place to live in Massachusetts. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, North Adams provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Adams Population: 5,689 27% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $151,800 Med. Rent: $766 Med. Household Inc.: $43,932

The second most affordable city in Massachusetts is Adams and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 27% cheaper than the Massachusetts average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Pittsfield Population: 42,514 24% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $176,800 Med. Rent: $907 Med. Household Inc.: $56,620

Pittsfield lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Massachusetts, with a cost of living that is 24% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Springfield Population: 153,677 23% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $162,900 Med. Rent: $908 Med. Household Inc.: $41,571

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Springfield offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 23% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Greenfield Town Population: 17,477 22% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $184,100 Med. Rent: $836 Med. Household Inc.: $48,724

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Greenfield Town is ideal, with a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Massachusetts average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Ware Population: 5,978 22% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $183,800 Med. Rent: $861 Med. Household Inc.: $42,905

Ware comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Massachusetts and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than Massachusetts. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Chicopee Population: 55,186 21% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $188,400 Med. Rent: $941 Med. Household Inc.: $52,702

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Chicopee is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Holyoke Population: 40,161 21% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $197,700 Med. Rent: $847 Med. Household Inc.: $42,537

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Holyoke fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 21% cheaper than Massachusetts.

Palmer Town Population: 12,236 20% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $201,800 Med. Rent: $926 Med. Household Inc.: $68,694

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Palmer Town is one of the most affordable cities in Massachusetts, and has a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average.

Athol Population: 8,323 19% cheaper than Massachusetts average

Med. Home Value: $165,100 Med. Rent: $809 Med. Household Inc.: $54,500

With a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than Massachusetts, Athol comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Massachusetts

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	North Adams	12,897	96	$149,300	$49,123
2	Adams	5,689	96	$151,800	$43,932
3	Pittsfield	42,514	101	$176,800	$56,620
4	Springfield	153,677	102	$162,900	$41,571
5	Greenfield Town	17,477	104	$184,100	$48,724
6	Ware	5,978	104	$183,800	$42,905
7	Chicopee	55,186	105	$188,400	$52,702
8	Holyoke	40,161	106	$197,700	$42,537
9	Palmer Town	12,236	107	$201,800	$68,694
10	Athol	8,323	108	$165,100	$54,500
11	Southbridge Town	16,865	109	$214,500	$52,900
12	Webster	11,719	110	$222,100	$50,036
13	West Springfield Town	28,527	110	$235,200	$54,516
14	Spencer	5,810	111	$235,800	$52,593
15	Oxford	5,926	111	$251,800	$66,235
16	New Bedford	95,355	111	$239,000	$48,999
17	Gardner	20,605	112	$192,500	$51,708
18	Agawam Town	28,627	112	$233,400	$72,396
19	Westfield	41,303	112	$247,300	$74,456
20	Fall River	89,618	113	$256,200	$46,007
21	Worcester	185,186	114	$241,800	$51,647
22	Easthampton Town	15,930	115	$266,100	$63,657
23	Fitchburg	40,576	115	$216,500	$54,683
24	Taunton	57,327	119	$291,100	$63,433
25	Bliss Corner	5,272	120	$313,300	$63,110
26	Somerset	18,160	120	$293,000	$90,260
27	Bridgewater	8,544	120	$281,300	$56,006
28	Leominster	41,581	121	$261,300	$63,119
29	Attleboro	45,023	122	$313,400	$77,107
30	Clinton	7,058	123	$255,600	$61,034
31	Whitinsville	7,435	124	$340,600	$79,724
32	Amherst Center	20,037	124	$339,400	$32,121
33	South Amherst	5,283	124	$324,800	$48,750
34	Northampton	28,552	125	$337,100	$71,866
35	Middleborough Center	7,564	125	$322,200	$67,273
36	Milford	26,072	125	$324,300	$83,233
37	Randolph	33,526	126	$272,100	$65,316
38	Brockton	95,740	127	$279,600	$62,249
39	Lawrence	80,022	127	$280,800	$45,045
40	West Yarmouth	6,388	127	$317,500	$57,852
41	Lowell	111,311	128	$285,200	$62,196
42	North Amherst	7,290	129	$370,500	$36,395
43	Mansfield Center	8,043	129	$355,000	$91,838
44	Longmeadow	15,736	129	$347,900	$124,410
45	Haverhill	63,783	129	$319,400	$69,237
46	South Yarmouth	10,598	130	$347,800	$67,408
47	Holbrook	11,051	131	$335,700	$79,718
48	Foxborough	6,119	132	$381,700	$66,442
49	Amesbury Town	17,474	133	$351,400	$81,027
50	Methuen Town	50,518	133	$350,200	$83,527

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.