Massachusetts attracts Americans from all over. And there are good reasons why: affordable cost of living, cheaper rent, and quality education. You can’t go wrong with the Bay State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $400,000. North Adam’s cost of living is 4.1% lower than the national average, and Pittsfield is 4.1% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Chicopee’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $301K. Meanwhile, Springfield offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $282,534.
Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. North Adams | $245,838 | $1,350 | 4.1% | $49,525 | 12,483 |
| 2. Springfield | $232,534 | $1,750 | 3.8% | $47,677 | 153,672 |
| 3. Pittsfield | $297,911 | $1,500 | 4.1% | $66,859 | 43,076 |
| 4. Chicopee | $301,948 | $1,650 | 3.8% | $63,866 | 54,838 |
| 5. Holyoke | $309,611 | $1,525 | 3.8% | $49,007 | 37,628 |
| 6. Gardner | $356,924 | $1,625 | 12.5% | $56,974 | 20,974 |
| 7. Fitchburg | $383,985 | $1,850 | 12.5% | $65,963 | 41,579 |
| 8. Taunton | $488,278 | $2,000 | 12.4% | $72,782 | 60,412 |
| 9. Adams | $251,491 | $1,900 | 4.1% | $49,077 | 7,995 |
| 10. Westfield | $357,493 | $1,800 | 3.8% | $78,307 | 40,509 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Bay State:
#1 North Adams
- Median house rent is $1,350 | Rental prices range between $1,000 and $1,975.
- Median home value of North Adams is $245,838.
- Cost of living in North Adams is 4.1% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in North Adams, MA: 01247 | 01427 | 44216
» North Adams Homes for Sale: Find affordable homes in Massachusetts.
#2 Springfield
- Median house rent is $1,750 | Rental prices range between $675 and $3,200.
- Median home value of Springfield is $282,534.
- Cost of living in Springfield is 3.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Springfield, MA: 01109 | 01108 | 01089
Healthcare in Springfield is highly affordable at 8.7% lower than the national average. Located on the Eastern bank, the city offers scenic views of the Connecticut River. It is also home to major firms like Baystate Health and Theodore’s Inc., which offers ample employment opportunities.
» Springfield Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of affordable housing options in Massachusetts.
#3 Pittsfield
- Median house rent is $1,500 | Rental prices range between $700 and $2,850.
- Median home value of Pittsfield is $297,911.
- Cost of living in Pittsfield is 4.1% cheaper than the national average.
- 1 Popular Zip in Pittsfield, MA: 01201
Pittsfield is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. Housing costs are also 25.2% lower than nationwide, which is an added advantage. Besides, major employers like Ge Advanced Materials Plastics and Berkshire Insurance Group offer several job opportunities.
» Pittsfield Homes for Sale: Explore affordable living in Massachusetts.
#4 Chicopee
- Median house rent is $1,595 | Rental prices range between $995 and $3,200.
- Median home value of Chicopee is $301,948.
- Cost of living in Chicopee is 3.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Chicopee, MA: 01020 | 01013 | 01022
Healthcare expenses are 9.7% below the national average in Chicopee, which makes it a great place for retirees. Housing also costs 16.4% less on average than nationwide. Surrounded by picturesque watersheds, Chicopee also offers employment in the cotton textiles, bicycle, and firearms industries.
» Chicopee Homes for Sale: Browse through properties in one of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts.
#5 Holyoke
- Median house rent is $1,595 | Rental prices range between $750 and $2,200.
- Median home value of Holyoke is $309,611.
- Cost of living in Holyoke is 3.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 1 Popular Zip in Holyoke, MA: 01040
Often referred to as the ‘The Paper City,’ Holyoke’s average cost of living is 3.8% lower than the rest of the country. Transportation costs are also 11.5% lower. The presence of major employers like CareerPoint and Pixel Health also makes the city attractive to job seekers.
» Holyoke Homes for Sale: Find cheap houses for sale in Massachusetts.
#6 Gardner
- Median house rent is $1,625 | Rental prices range between $1,100 and $1,975.
- Median home value of Gardner is $356,924.
- Cost of living in Gardner is 12.5% cheaper than the state average.
- 1 Popular Zip in Gardner, MA: 01440
With a crime rate 24% lower than the Massachusetts average, Gardner is one of the safest cities to live in the US. Besides, the city is home to major companies like Advanced Cable Ties, and Garlock Printing & Converting. You can sustain a comfortable lifestyle in Gardner with an average annual income of $56,974.
» Gardner Homes for Sale: Find homes in affordable and safe places to live in Massachusetts.
#7 Fitchburg
- Median house rent is $1,850 | Rental prices range between $695 and $3,200.
- Median home value of Fitchburg is $383,985.
- Cost of living in Fitchburg is 12.5% cheaper than the national average.
- 1 Popular Zip in Fitchburg, MA: 01420
Fitchburg is one of the cheapest cities to live in Massachusetts. The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $686. Additionally, transportation in the city costs 10.2% lower than the national average. It is also home to Fitchburg High School, which offers frequent employment in the educational sector.
» Fitchburg Homes for Sale: Look for cheap homes in one of the most affordable cities to live in Massachusetts.
#8 Taunton
- Median house rent is $2,000 | Rental prices range between $1,100 and $3,695.
- Median home value of Taunton is $488,278.
- Cost of living in Taunton is 12.4% cheaper than the Massachusetts average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Taunton, MA: 02780 | 02718 | 02789
Tauton’s cost of living is 12.4% lower than the state average, and healthcare 11.4%. This makes Taunton one of the most affordable towns in Massachusetts. The presence of several silver manufacturers has also earned it the nickname ‘Silver City’.
» Taunton Homes for Sale: Get yourself cheap houses in Massachusetts.
#9 Adams
- Median house rent is $1,900 | Rental prices range between $1,100 and $2,375.
- Median home value of Adams is $251,491.
- Cost of living in Adams is 4.1% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Adams, MA: 01247 | 01220 | 01427
At 37.2% lower than the US average, Adams offers highly affordable housing. You can sustain yourself comfortably with an average annual income of $49,077. The city has most amenities from bigger metros but is comparatively more laid back. Minerals Technologies and the Town of Adams are among the major employers.
» Adams Homes for Sale: Find a cheap place to live in Massachusetts.
#10 Westfield
- Median house rent is $1,800 | Rental prices range between $900 and $2,995.
- Median home value of Westfield is $357,493.
- Cost of living in Westfield is 3.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 1 Popular Zip in Westfield, MA: 01085
Westfield’s cost of living is 3.8% lower than the US average. Transportation also costs 11.9% lower. This makes it one of the most affordable cities in Massachusetts. With employers like Mestek and ONsite Mammography, the city also offers several job opportunities.
» Westfield Homes for Sale: Browse through most affordable cities in Massachusetts.
So, Where Are the Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Massachusetts under 300K in cities like North Adams, Springfield, and Pittsfield. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other Massachusetts cities.
Cities like Fitchburg and Taunton are slightly expensive but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in Massachusetts.
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Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts
To rank the top cities in Massachussets, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: best places.net [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the least expensive to live in Massachusetts?
The cheapest place to live in Massachusetts is North Adams. It offers affordable transportation, which is 27.4% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Massachusetts.
Is it cheap to live in Massachusetts?
No, it is not. The median home value is $627,596. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Massachusetts?
The best place to live in Massachusetts is Cambridge, followed by Worcester, Quincy, Springfield, Boston, Salem, and Somerville.
Which Massachusetts city has the lowest cost of living?
North Adams has the lowest cost of living, which is 4.1% and 24.8% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
