Want Massachusetts’ vibrant college town energy without Boston’s high prices? Don’t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Bay State if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Adams or a starter home in Springfield, Massachusetts’ fastest-growing urban hub. If you’re retiring, look at homes for sale in Chicopee to enjoy a low-cost small-town lifestyle, with median home prices under $301,000.
After assessing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Massachusetts to help you find a home that fits your budget.
Houzeo is America’s best home buying and selling platform.
For Home Sellers: List your home for a Flat Fee, and save 2.5% to 5.5% on the listing agent commission! That’s thousands of dollars extra in your pocket.
For Home Buyers: Houzeo has the most number of houses for sale in Massachusetts. Start your dream home search now!
Yes! You can list your home for sale or search millions of homes on the Houzeo mobile app!
Download now on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
Key Takeaways
- Adams is the most affordable city: Adams’ cost of living is 17% lower than the state average. With a median home price of $229,288, it is the cheapest city to live in Massachusetts.
- Springfield is the best city for young professionals: Springfield offers big-city opportunities, education at Springfield College, with strong jobs and networking through the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield.
- For families, North Adams is a great choice: Families enjoy natural attractions like Mount Greylock trails and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Retirees should consider Chicopee: Retirees benefit from senior center programs, reliable care at Baystate Medical Center, and affordable homes.
- Don’t forget Massachusetts’ “winter tax”: Heating costs and property taxes run higher than national averages (often 2x in some areas), and standard policies may not cover snow damage or flooding.
Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2026
| City | Median Home Price | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Affordability Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Adams | $229,288 | $1,250 | 17% ⬇️ | 8.6 |
| 2. North Adams | $247,000 | $1,500 | 22% ⬇️ | 8.6 |
| 3. Pittsfield | $268,500 | $1,500 | 26% ⬇️ | 8.6 |
| 4. Holyoke | $320,000 | $1,495 | 20% ⬇️ | 8.5 |
| 5. Chicopee | $301,000 | $1,523 | 17% ⬇️ | 8.4 |
| 6. Springfield | $315,000 | $1,509 | 14% ⬇️ | 8.4 |
| 7. Gardner | $375,000 | $1,616 | 14% ⬇️ | 8.0 |
| 8. Westfield | $357,000 | $1,916 | 17% ⬇️ | 7.8 |
| 9. Fitchburg | $415,000 | $1,795 | 18% ⬇️ | 7.7 |
| 10. Taunton | $476,000 | $2,017 | 10% ⬇️ | 6.8 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts
To identify the cheap places to live in Massachusetts, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources:
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s Massachusetts Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute.
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories— housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods— from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in Massachusetts Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring:
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which Massachusetts cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts
Adams is the cheapest city in Massachusetts. The town is known for its location in the Berkshire foothills and proximity to Mount Greylock State Reservation. Cheap homes for sale in Adams provide access to hiking trails, steady industrial jobs, and small-town Berkshire living.
- Downtown Adams: A compact urban core with walkable streets and historic mill buildings. It appeals to buyers due to proximity to Hoosac Valley Elementary School and easy access to downtown shops and Mount Greylock trails.
- East Road: A quiet residential neighborhood with single-family homes along wooded lots. It offers convenience near Charles McMullen Veterans Memorial Park and Berkshire Regional High School.
- Maple Grove: An established suburban area featuring ranch-style homes and green spaces. It attracts families for walkability to Susan B. Anthony Middle School and local hiking paths.
- Job Market: The job market focuses on manufacturing, logistics, and tourism in the Berkshires, with steady employment at Crane Currency and Minerals Technologies. Local firms like the Town of Adams government and small manufacturers support stable blue-collar careers amid regional tourism growth.
- Recreation: Adams features Mount Greylock State Reservation (the highest point in MA, 92 miles of trails), Charles McMullen Veterans Memorial Park, and the seasonal Greylock Fall Festival. Locals hike the Appalachian Trail and enjoy nearby Berkshire Railway rides, reflecting outdoor mountain lifestyles.
- Rampant Housing Neglect: Slumlord rentals suffer leaking roofs, mold, and structural decay; high taxes fund little maintenance, leaving homes in perpetual disrepair.
- Drug and Crime Prevalence: Opioid crisis and rising break-ins create unsafe streets, especially near industrial edges; violence feels normalized in daily life.
- Limited Local Amenities: Shuttered Main Street shops and scarce local jobs trap residents in welfare cycles, forcing long commutes for basics like groceries.
North Adams is one of the most affordable cities in Massachusetts. The city is known for its world-renowned Mass MoCA contemporary art museum and historic Western Gateway Heritage State Park. Cheap homes for sale in North Adams provide access to hiking trails, cultural events, and a vibrant small-city arts scene.
- Greylock: A quiet residential neighborhood with single-family homes near wooded hillsides. It appeals to families due to proximity to Hoosac Valley Elementary School and access to Mount Greylock State Reservation trails.
- City Center: A dense urban core neighborhood surrounding Mass MoCA with walkable streets and mixed-use buildings. It offers convenience to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, local dining, and Western Gateway Heritage State Park events.
- West Summit: An established hillside neighborhood featuring ranch homes and scenic views. It attracts buyers for walkability to Brayton Elementary School and proximity to Natural Bridge State Park caverns.
- Job Market: The job market emphasises arts/culture, education, and healthcare. Major employers include Mass MoCA (cultural/tourism roles), Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Berkshire Health Systems. Manufacturing and retail at Big Y and Walmart support steady employment.
- Recreation: North Adams features Mass MoCA (the largest contemporary art museum in the U.S., 250K visitors yearly), Western Gateway Heritage State Park, and Natural Bridge State Park. Locals enjoy hiking at Greylock Mountain trails and the Porches arts district festivals.
- Blight and Urban Decay: Boarded-up factories, crumbling sidewalks, and littered streets dominate downtown, creating a perpetually rundown atmosphere that discourages investment or pride.
- Drug Epidemic and Crime: Open opioid use, frequent overdoses, and theft plague neighborhoods like Hadley Overpass, making evenings unsafe for walking or family outings.
- Severe Winters and Isolation: Harsh snow (100+ inches/year) paralyzes roads for weeks, with remote location forcing 45-minute drives to Pittsfield for basics amid limited plowing.
Pittsfield is one of the most affordable towns in Massachusetts. The city features solid career opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and insurance. Homes for sale in Pittsfield also provide access to year-round cultural events, outdoor recreation at Onota Lake, and the conveniences of vibrant small-city living.
- West Side: A residential neighborhood with single-family homes and a community feel near Berkshire Community College. It appeals to families due to proximity to Crosby Elementary School and access to local parks like Burbank Park.
- Morningside: An established suburban area featuring mid-century homes and quiet streets. It offers convenience to Allendale Elementary School and is within walking distance to Onota Lake recreation trails.
- Downtown Pittsfield: A walkable urban core neighborhood blending historic buildings with modern amenities. It attracts buyers for closeness to Berkshire Medical Center, Colonial Theatre events, and City Hall Plaza gatherings.
- Job Market: Pittsfield’s job market centers on healthcare (27% jobs ), education, manufacturing, and tourism, with total nonfarm jobs being 58%. Major employers include Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire Community College, General Electric Plastics, and Berkshire Insurance Group.
- Recreation: Pittsfield features Berkshire Scenic Railway, Onota Lake (boating, fishing, swimming beach), and Lake Pontoosuc (sailing, water-skiing). Locals attend Berkshire Theatre Festival summer productions and hike Pittsfield State Forest trails, reflecting cultural outdoor lifestyles.
- Winter Road Hazards: Heavy snow (80+ inches annually) creates icy, poorly plowed streets; potholes worsen post-thaw, risking vehicle damage and dangerous drives during commutes.
- Limited Nightlife and Retail: Empty downtown storefronts and few restaurants after 9 PM leave evenings dull; residents drive 30+ minutes to Lenox or Great Barrington for dining or shopping.
- Drug-Related Crime Pockets: Opioid issues concentrate around Tyler Street and East Street with frequent thefts and overdoses; visible homelessness downtown erodes family-friendly vibes.
- School Funding Shortfalls: Pittsfield High scores below state averages due to budget cuts; overcrowded classes and aging facilities frustrate parents seeking strong public education.
Holyoke is one of the most inexpensive places to live in Massachusetts. The city is known for its historic canals, Mount Tom State Park, and its nickname as “The Paper City”. In addition, Holyoke provides access to river recreation, proximity to Springfield jobs, and vibrant Gateway City living with good career opportunities.
- Highlands: A suburban neighborhood with single-family homes and elevated views near Mount Tom State Park. It appeals to families due to proximity to Holyoke High School and access to trails at Mount Tom State Reservation.
- Springfield Street: A residential neighborhood featuring row homes and community parks along the Chicopee River. It offers convenience to William R. Johnson Middle School and local recreation at Springdale Beach.
- Downtown Holyoke: An urban core neighborhood with historic mill buildings and walkable amenities. It attracts buyers for closeness to Holyoke Community College and the Volleyball Hall of Fame events.
- Job Market: Holyoke’s job market focuses on healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with unemployment at 6.1% in September 2025. Major employers include Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Community College, and CareerPoint staffing services. Healthcare added more roles amid Gateway City recovery.
- Recreation: Holyoke features the Volleyball Hall of Fame (interactive exhibits on the sport’s birthplace), Mount Tom State Park (hiking, zip-line canopy tours), and Holyoke Canal Tours (historic waterway boat rides). Locals enjoy the Wistariahurst Museum gardens and summer Holyoke Merry-Go-Round.
- Concentrated Poverty: Downtown census tracts shows 24% poverty rate, fostering subsidized housing dominance (19% of stock) and limited upward mobility.
- High Crime in Flats: The densely packed Flats neighborhood sees elevated theft, assaults, and gang activity, deterring families from safe evening walks or kid-friendly outings.
- Subpar Schools: Holyoke public schools rank low statewide with chronic underfunding, overcrowded classes, and graduation rates lagging peers, frustrating parents.
- Industrial Blight: Abandoned mills and visible decay along canals create eyesores; harsh winters exacerbate potholes and flooding without robust city maintenance.
Chicopee is known for its historic Chicopee River mills, Aldersdale Park, and the recent Belcher Apartments affordable housing project. Homes for sale in Chicopee provide access to suburban neighborhoods with a close-knit community, low healthcare costs, and quick Springfield commutes.
- Chicopee Center: A compact urban neighborhood with walkable streets and historic mill buildings near the Chicopee River. It appeals to buyers due to proximity to Edward Bellamy House and access to local shops along Memorial Drive.
- Fairview: A suburban residential area with single-family homes and agricultural roots near Westover Air Reserve Base. It offers convenience to Fairview High School and Chicopee Memorial State Park trails.
- Willimansett: An established neighborhood featuring row homes and community parks along the riverfront. It attracts families for walkability to Willimansett Elementary School and Springdale Beach recreation.
- Job Market: Chicopee’s job market centers on healthcare, manufacturing, and government services, recently named MA’s most affordable city with steady employment growth. Major employers include Baystate Chicopee Medical Center, the City of Chicopee government, and the Curry Honda dealership.
- Recreation: Chicopee offers Chicopee Memorial State Park (hiking trails, fishing ponds), Aldersdale Park (playgrounds, sports fields), and the Edward Bellamy Memorial House (historic tours). Locals enjoy the annual Chicopee RiverFest and boating on the Chicopee River, reflecting outdoor family activities.
- Property Theft Hotspots: High larceny and burglary incidents(18.58 per 1,000 residents) cluster near shopping districts and apartments, eroding trust in leaving homes or cars unattended overnight.
- School System Strains: Public schools suffer overcrowding and below-average test scores due to funding gaps, pushing parents toward costlier private or charter alternatives.
- Traffic and Infrastructure Woes: Congested routes like Memorial Drive feature potholes and poor lighting, exacerbating commute stress without reliable mass transit options.
Springfield is one of the most affordable cities in Massachusetts. The city is known for its historic Springfield Armory National Historic Site, Connecticut River waterfront and tree-lined neighbourhoods with good private schools. It also provides access to urban amenities, public transit, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
- Forest Park: A suburban neighborhood with tree-lined streets and spacious homes near Forest Park gardens. It appeals to families due to proximity to Forest Park Open Space, Warner Middle School, and extensive walking trails.
- Sixteen Acres: A residential area featuring ranch-style homes and community parks south of the city center. It offers convenience to Sixteen Acres Elementary School and access to Dean Park recreation fields.
- Maple High-Six Corners: An urban residential neighborhood with mixed housing near cultural landmarks. It attracts buyers for walkability to Milton Bradley School, Basketball Hall of Fame, and local shops at Six Corners.
- Job Market: The economy relies heavily on Baystate Medical Center and Springfield College, alongside MassMutual, for finance roles. High-salary positions include financial managers at $164,790 median and IT managers at $162,900. Unemployment hovers around 5.4% with 140,000 nonfarm jobs.
- Recreation: Key attractions feature the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for sports history and Forest Park with its zoo and boating. Six Flags New England delivers thrill rides, while Mount Tom State Reservation offers hiking and Connecticut River events.
- Extreme Violent Crime: The highest statewide numbers for assaults (965), robberies (289), and murders (29) make neighborhoods like downtown and North End unsafe for walking after dark.
- Failing Public Schools: Chronic underfunding yields low graduation rates and violence in district schools, forcing families into expensive private options or relocation.
- Poverty-Driven Decay: Boarded storefronts, homeless encampments, and gang activity along Main Street amplify blight, contrasting sharply with polished nearby suburbs.
Gardner is known for its historic chair manufacturing legacy, Dunn State Park, and a low crime rate. In addition, Gardner provides strong career opportunities in manufacturing and printing. Homes for sale in Gardner attract homebuyers towards rural recreation, sustainable lifestyles, and comfortable living.
- East Gardner: A residential neighborhood with single-family homes near wooded areas and Dunn State Park. It appeals to families due to proximity to Gardner High School and access to local trails and fishing spots.
- South Gardner: A quiet suburban area featuring ranch-style homes and community lots. It offers convenience to Mount Wachusett Community College and Pearl Hill State Park recreation.
- City Center: A walkable urban core neighborhood with historic buildings and mixed-use streets. It attracts buyers for closeness to Gardner Municipal Airport and the annual Chair City Festival events.
- Job Market: Major employers include Henry Heywood Memorial Hospital for healthcare roles and SEGGER Microcontroller for tech manufacturing. City government posts openings like City Auditor, Inspector of Wires, and Local Building Inspector. Other prevalent jobs are in nursing, retail, and skilled trades.
- Recreation: Gardner features Dunn State Park for boating and fishing on Laurel Lake, plus trails for hiking. Locals enjoy the Chair City Trail for biking and the annual Gardner Folk Festival with music and crafts. Pearce Lake offers swimming beaches and picnics in summer.
- Housing and Infrastructure Decay: Aging rentals suffer mold, faulty wiring, and pothole-riddled roads from underfunded maintenance, amplifying winter hazards and repair costs.
- Limited Family Amenities: Few parks or youth programs beyond basic sports fields leave kids underserved; schools face overcrowding and middling performance statewide.
- Economic and Retail Void: Shuttered factories and sparse grocery options force commutes to Leominster, trapping residents in low-wage cycles with few local growth prospects.
Westfield is one of the cheapest cities in Massachusetts. The city is known for Westfield State University, the Big E fairgrounds, and Robinson State Park. In addition to a growing job market, Westfield provides access to college-town amenities, low transportation costs, and family-friendly suburban living.
- Mundale: A suburban residential neighborhood with single-family homes and rural edges near Westfield State University. It appeals to families due to proximity to Townehouse Elementary School and access to Stanley Park trails.
- Rock Valley: A quiet, established area featuring ranch homes and community lots south of downtown. It offers convenience to Westfield Vocational High School and Robinson State Park recreation.
- Little River: A residential neighborhood blending suburban calm with wooded boundaries. It attracts buyers for walkability to Maria A. Calobrisi School and the Westfield River greenway paths.
- Job Market: Key employers include Mestek (HVAC manufacturing), Westfield State University (education), and Smith & Wesson firearms. City government hires for maintenance and civil service positions, like truck drivers. Jobs are also prevalent in retail and machining across the Westfield Industrial Park.
- Recreation: Westfield offers Stanley Park (azalea gardens, ponds, trails), Westfield River for kayaking and fishing, and Barnes Airport for aviation events. Locals enjoy the Westfield Athenaeum cultural programs and summer Whip City Green concerts, reflecting community outdoor traditions.
- Assault Clusters Near Bars: Aggravated assaults (159.9 incidents) concentrate around Elm Street nightlife, creating risky late-night vibes despite overall low violent rates.
- Car Theft Uptick: Vehicle thefts rose to 35 cases amid industrial park sprawl, hitting commuters who park overnight without secure garages.
- Commuter Traffic Gridlock: Route 20 bottlenecks during rush hour add 20+ minutes to Springfield drives, worsened by potholes and poor mass transit links.
Fitchburg is one of the cheaper areas in Massachusetts. The city is known for its revitalized downtown with the new Fitchburg Arts Community housing and Nashua River recreation. Homes for sale in Fitchburg offer access to arts events, low food/transportation costs, and Gateway City revival living.
- Cleghorn: A working-class residential neighborhood with row homes near the Nashua River. It appeals to buyers due to proximity to Fitchburg High School and access to the West Fitchburg Steam Line Trail.
- Crockerville: A quiet urban area featuring modest single-family homes and community lots. It offers convenience to Goodrich Academy and walking paths along Flag Brook.
- Rollstone Hill: An established hillside neighborhood with scenic views and historic structures. It attracts families for walkability to Crocker Field athletic fields and proximity to the Fitchburg Art Museum.
- Job Market: Major employers include Avery Dennison, Simonds International, and Fitchburg Welding for fabrication. Healthcare via Heywood Hospital and government roles at Montachusett Opportunity Council add stability.
- Recreation: Fitchburg State University trails offer hiking and biking along the Nashua River. Coggans Falls provides scenic waterfalls and picnics; Wallace Library hosts cultural events. Summer features Fitchburg Art Museum exhibits and nearby Wachusett Mountain skiing.
- Train Noise Disruption: Frequent freight trains rumble through downtown hourly, shaking homes and halting sleep/commutes in rail-adjacent neighborhoods like Cleghorn.
- Flood Prone Areas: Nashua River overflows annually, flooding basements and roads in low-lying zones; outdated infrastructure amplifies property damage risks.
- Mosquito-Heavy Summers: Stagnant mill ponds breed aggressive swarms, making outdoor evenings miserable without constant repellents or screened porches.
- Cultural Isolation: Sparse arts scene and dying downtown leave weekends empty; nearest vibrancy requires 30-mile drives to Worcester events or Leominster shops.
Taunton is known for its historic silver manufacturing heritage, earning it the nickname “Silver City”. Homes for sale in Taunton offer access to job opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare, and lower transportation costs of about 8.4% below the national average, suburban amenities and family-friendly communities.
- Whittenton: A family-oriented residential neighborhood with colonial homes and newer developments north of downtown. It appeals to buyers due to its proximity to Taunton High School and access to local parks like Hopewell Park.
- Weir Village: A historic urban neighborhood along the Taunton River with revitalized mill buildings. It offers convenience to Edward F. Leddy Elementary School and the riverfront walking paths.
- East Taunton: A suburban area with larger lots and single-family homes near Massasoit State Park. It attracts families for walkability to East Taunton Elementary School and commuter access to Route 24.
- Job Market: Key employers include Waters Corporation, Morton Hospital, and Martignetti Companies. Silver City Business Park hosts new manufacturing/distribution tenants, adding logistics jobs. Electronics, machinery, food processing, and trucking firms like Clean Harbors drive growth.
- Recreation: The Taunton River supports kayaking, fishing, and scenic walks along the Taunton Greenway rail trail. Old Colony Historical Society offers silver heritage tours and museum exhibits. Summer features Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant fireworks and Bristol Blake State Park picnics.
- Mosquito Infestations: Swamps along the Taunton River breed relentless mosquito clouds in summer, invading homes and backyards without effective city spraying programs.
- Limited Dining Variety: Few quality restaurants beyond chains; Portuguese eateries dominate, leaving diverse palates driving 20+ miles to Fall River or Providence for options.
- Political Gridlock: City council infighting stalls development like park upgrades or transit improvements, perpetuating outdated infrastructure and services.
- Commuter Dependency: No robust rail links force car reliance to Boston (1hr+), with Route 24 traffic jams amplifying gas costs and fatigue for hybrid workers.
Pro Tip If you’re looking for something on the northeastern coast, Boston could be a great option. From Dorchester to East Boston, you’ll find a wide range of affordable houses in Boston with strong rental potential.
Norfolk (safety score of 99) and Woburn (safety score of 90) are the cheapest and safest cities in Massachusetts. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Massachusetts for Young Adults
When looking for the least expensive city to live in Massachusetts, you want more than just cheap rent. You want good jobs, a fun lifestyle, and a city where you can thrive. These cheapest towns in Massachusetts deliver all three, with affordable housing and growing job markets.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Young Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Springfield | Springfield offers big-city opportunities in healthcare, education at Springfield College, and manufacturing. Young professionals connect through networks like the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield, with strong job growth. |
| 2. | Adams | Adams provides logistics, healthcare, and tech entry points, with groups like Berkshire Young Professionals for networking. Affordable houses for sale in Adams keep housing costs low, being the most affordable place to live in Massachusetts. |
| 3. | Worcester | Home to Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a booming biotech scene, the city blends research jobs with urban nightlife. Rentals run below Boston averages, and there’s a rising inventory of homes for sale in Worcester. |
Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Massachusetts for Families
Massachusetts appeals to families with its excellent public schools, rich history, and access to outdoor recreation. These three least expensive places to live in Massachusetts offer low living costs and family-friendly amenities.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Families |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | North Adams | Families enjoy natural attractions like Mount Greylock trails and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Outdoor recreation and pocket-friendly homes for sale in North Adams make this city an ideal destination for families with kids. |
| 2. | Holyoke | Holyoke offers free community programs through the Volleyball Hall of Fame and public library events. Affordable social services and cheap homes for sale in Holyoke keep child-rearing costs down. |
| 3. | Pittsfield | Home to Hancock Shaker Village and family festivals, kids love the cultural experiences. Rentals below state averages and homes for sale in Pittsfield provide great value near highly rated schools. |
3 Best Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts for Retirees
Massachusetts offers retirees excellent healthcare, cultural richness, and scenic beauty. In these cities, you can find affordable homes, accessible medical services, and safe communities. There are also plenty of outdoor activities and community events to enjoy a comfortable, active lifestyle.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chicopee | Retirees in Chicopee enjoy programs at senior centers like fitness classes and social gatherings. Reliable care is available at nearby Baystate Medical Center, and affordable homes for sale in Chicopee make it easy to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. |
| 2. | Gardner | In Gardner, retirees have access to dependable healthcare at low costs compared to state averages. Peaceful trails and community parks suit nature-loving seniors. Affordable homes for sale in Gardner support a quiet retirement. |
| 3. | Westfield | Westfield offers a relaxed lifestyle, complete with senior wellness programs and proximity to medical facilities. Community events and scenic spots abound. You can find homes for sale in Westfield near parks and trails. |
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Massachusetts
Even in the cheapest Massachusetts cities to live in, home prices are only part of the cost. High property taxes, aging infrastructure, and harsh winters drive up ownership expenses. So, factor in property taxes along with home maintenance and utilities when looking for the cheapest area to live in Massachusetts.
- Property Taxes: Many homeowners now pay around $8,000 yearly, with urban areas exceeding $10,000. Inland cities like North Adams and Springfield generally have lower rates.
- Home Maintenance: Standard homeowners’ insurance doesn’t include wear from snow and cold. Repairs for roofs, HVAC, or plumbing from energy rebates or contractors now average $10,000–$12,000 per year, rising about 5% annually amid labor shortages.
- Utilities: Massachusetts utilities typically range from $4,500 to $6,000 of annual household costs, varying by town and adding to yearly ownership expenses.
Quick Tip Massachusetts’ Homestead Exemption protects up to $125,000 in equity automatically for your primary residence, or up to $1,000,000 per family with a filed Declaration at the Registry of Deeds. However, it does not apply to second homes or investment properties.
Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Massachusetts to Live In
Housing costs vary dramatically across Massachusetts. Adams residents save $2,452 monthly compared to Boston and $684 compared to Worcester. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Monthly Mortgage | Insurance/taxes | Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person | Monthly Savings vs. Boston |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | $245,000 | $1,548 | $465 | $1,789 | $2,452 |
| Worcester | $385,000 | $2,435 | $712 | $2,473 | $1,768 |
| Boston | $725,000 | $4,582 | $1,628 | $4,241 | – |
Affordable Living Beyond Massachusetts
Not sure if the affordable towns in Massachusetts to live in will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer top education, robust job markets, and elite healthcare, just like Massachusetts.
Education
Connecticut ranks #2 nationally for public schools, with Yale and elite privates like Choate. Here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in Connecticut:
- Waterbury: Homes around $220,000, rent under $1,200, near Naugatuck Valley Community College and strong public districts.
- Norwich: Homes around $235,000, rent from $1,100, with access to Three Rivers College and family-friendly schools.
- Torrington: Homes near $210,000, rent from $1,050, offering solid K-12 rankings and proximity to university towns.
Robust Job Market
New Hampshire boasts tech/manufacturing growth (no income tax) with Dartmouth and 20K+ job openings across sectors. These are the top three cheapest places to live in New Hampshire:
- Berlin: Homes around $145,000, rent near $900. Jobs are mainly in manufacturing, paper mills, and outdoor tourism.
- Claremont: Homes around $190,000, rent near $1,000. The economy is led by healthcare at Valley Regional and manufacturing.
- Somersworth: Homes from $275,000, rent $1,200–$1,400. Tech/logistics roles are abundant near the Portsmouth hub, and the median price is almost $95K+.
Healthcare
Rhode Island ranks #1 for access to healthcare (97% insured plans) with Brown University and Lifespan hospitals. Here are the cheapest places to live in Rhode Island:
- Woonsocket: Median home price $285,000, rent from $1,150. Affordable care via CVS HQ and Landmark Medical Center.
- Pawtucket: Median home price around $310,000, rent from $1,300, with strong hospitals and access to state-funded RIte Care plans (Rhode Island’s official Medicaid).
- Central Falls: Slightly more affordable, median homes $290,000, rent from $1,200. Families have access to top-ranked health systems.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Massachusetts?
Adams, North Adams, and Pittsfield are the most affordable cities to live in Massachusetts. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and a cost of living 20% lower than the national norm.
Moving to Massachusetts also offers valuable tax advantages, with property taxes averaging at 0.80%. Whether you’re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the least expensive to live in Massachusetts?
The cheapest place to live in Massachusetts is Adams. It offers affordable housing at a median sale price of 229K.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts: Find out the other most affordable cities in Massachusetts.
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.
What are the living expenses in Massachusetts?
The average cost to live in Massachusetts is 48% higher than the national average.
Where is the best place to retire in Massachusetts on a budget?
Chicopee, Gardner, and Westfield are among the best places to retire in Massachusetts on a budget. They offer affordable housing, small-town comfort, and easy access to medical care.
Which cities have the cheapest cost of living in Massachusetts?
Pittsfield (109.52) and North Adams (115.44) have the cheapest cost of living in Massachusetts. Pittsfield's cost of living is 26% below the average, while North Adams' is 22% lower.
