{"id":457348,"date":"2026-06-02T04:46:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T08:46:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/?p=457348"},"modified":"2026-06-02T04:47:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T08:47:12","slug":"cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Want Massachusetts\u2019 vibrant college town energy without Boston\u2019s high prices? Don\u2019t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Bay State if you know where to look.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Adams or a&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/springfield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starter home in Springfield<\/a>, Massachusetts\u2019 fastest-growing urban hub. If you\u2019re retiring, look at&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/chicopee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Chicopee<\/a> to enjoy a low-cost small-town lifestyle, with median home prices under $301,000.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After assessing hundreds of cities, we\u2019ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Massachusetts to help you find a home that fits your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">\ud83c\udfe0 What is Houzeo?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Houzeo is America&#8217;s best home buying and selling platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Home Sellers:<\/strong> List your home for a Flat Fee, and save 2.5% to 5.5% on the listing agent commission! That&#8217;s thousands of dollars extra in your pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For Home Buyers:<\/strong> Houzeo has the most number of <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">houses for sale in Massachusetts<\/a>. Start your dream home search now!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">\ud83d\udcf1 Does Houzeo have a mobile app?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Yes! You can list your home for sale or search millions of homes on the Houzeo mobile app!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Download now on the <a     href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/id1576836461\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Apple App Store<\/a> or the <a     href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.houzeo.houzeo&#038;pli=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google Play Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div  class=\"hfsWidget \" data-widget-title=\"Find homes in Massachusetts that fit your budget<br \/>\n\ud83c\udf42\" data-widget-list-item1=\"1st item\" data-widget-list-item2=\"2nd item\" data-widget-list-item3=\"3rd item\" data-widget-type=\"buyer1\" data-widget-vendor-type=\"inspector\" data-widget-state=\"ma\" data-widget-city=\"\" data-widget-redirect-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" data-widget-redirect-text=\"Cheap homes for sale in Massachusetts \" data-widget-button-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\" data-widget-button-text=\"\" data-widget-min-price=\"0\" data-widget-max-price=\"0\" data-widget-min-area=\"0\" data-widget-max-area=\"0\" data-widget-sidebar=\"false\">\n        <div class=\"widgetMainBox mainBox456\">\n        <div class=\"widgetBox widgetBox3 buyer-one\">\n            <div class=\"widgetTop\" style=\"display: flex;\">\n                <div class=\"widgetTopcont\">\n                    <div class=\"homePageQuickListing -page homepage widgetInBox3 hfs_new_design_widget\">\n                      <div class=\"HeaderTopSidebar\"> \n                        <p class=\"headerStyle\">Find homes in Massachusetts that fit your budget<br \/>\n\ud83c\udf42<\/p>\n                                                                         <div class=\"widgetList skeleton skeleton-text\">\n                            <p>View 27,667 homes for sale in <span\n                            class=\"propertyStateSpan\">MA<\/span><\/p>                            \n                        <\/div>\n                                                                      <\/div>  \n                        <div class=\"verifyFieldForm addInput\">\n                            <div class=\"inputSearchBox\">\n                                <div class=\"inputBoxElement addressBar\">\n                                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"ITBTtRE\" id=\"buyerAutocomplete\"\n                                        placeholder=\"Enter an address, city, neighborhood, or ZIP\"\n                                        class=\"pac-target-input buyerAutocomplete\" autocomplete=\"off\">\n                                <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"errorStreetMsg errorMsg\">Please enter valid address<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n                            \n                            <div class=\"inputSubmitBox\">\n                                                                <button id=\"buyerBtnBox456\" class=\"continueCta storeAddress next_btn buyerBtnBox\">Search\n                                    <span class=\"arrowContinue\"><\/span><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"widgetInsideBox\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyBoxNew\" id=\"propertyContainer\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyInnerBox\">   \n                 \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/12-oread-st-worcester-ma-01610\/hzid_19c763a3\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/70\/MPINMeb3f3af324062b1555c221ace27d2593\/1_eb3f3af324062b1555c221ace27d2593-m1_920b616877_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSPINLogo-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$2,100,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t12 oread st, <br\/>worcester, MA 01610\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: David R. Eldredge | Realty Solutions <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: MLS Property Information Network-MA | MLS#: 73485885<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/175-belmont-st-belmont-ma-02478\/hzid_70b51f5a\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/70\/MPINM96e4eefacb413fec7f086a02228c22b5\/1_96e4eefacb413fec7f086a02228c22b5-m1_45f000be6c_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSPINLogo-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$2,150,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t175 belmont st, <br\/>belmont, MA 02478\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Fariba Rostam | Boston City Realty <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: MLS Property Information Network-MA | MLS#: 73496146<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew fullWidthCard \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" class=\"widgetanctextfind widgetancTextForAll\" target=\"_blank\">Cheap homes for sale in Massachusetts <span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/houzeo-media-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/homes-for-sale\/blue-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow\" width=\"11\" height=\"10\"><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                   <\/div>   \n               \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n       \n    <\/div>\n\t<script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {        \n        if (!window.assetsLoaded) {\n            window.assetsLoaded = true;\n            var version = (typeof customData !== 'undefined' && customData.customVersion) ? customData.customVersion : '1.0';\n            loadScript('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/js\/hfs-widget.js?version=' + version);\n            loadCSS('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/css\/hfs-widget.css?version=' + version);\n        }    \n    });\n\t\t\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-takeaways-list takeawaysSec\"><p class=\"headKeySec\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"listing\"><li><strong>Adams is the most affordable city:<\/strong> Adams\u2019 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.\u200b<\/li><li><strong>Springfield is the best city for young professionals: <\/strong>Springfield offers big-city opportunities, education at Springfield College, with strong jobs and networking through the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield.\u200b<\/li><li><strong>For families, North Adams is a great choice:<\/strong> Families enjoy natural attractions like Mount Greylock trails and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.<\/li><li><strong>Retirees should consider Chicopee:<\/strong> Retirees benefit from senior center programs, reliable care at Baystate Medical Center, and affordable homes.\u200b<\/li><li><strong>Don\u2019t forget Massachusetts\u2019 \u201cwinter tax\u201d:<\/strong> 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.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheapest-ma-cities\"><strong>Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"footable_parent_459604\"\n         class=\" footable_parent ninja_table_wrapper loading_ninja_table wp_table_data_press_parent semantic_ui \">\n                <table data-ninja_table_instance=\"ninja_table_instance_0\" data-footable_id=\"459604\" data-filter-delay=\"1000\" aria-label=\"Cheapest Cities in Massachusetts\"            id=\"footable_459604\"\n           data-unique_identifier=\"ninja_table_unique_id_2245055167_459604\"\n           class=\" foo-table ninja_footable foo_table_459604 ninja_table_unique_id_2245055167_459604 ui table  nt_type_legacy_table selectable celled striped compact vertical_centered  footable-paging-center ninja_table_search_disabled ninja_table_pro\">\n                <colgroup>\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_0 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_1 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_2 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_3 \">\n                            <col class=\"ninja_column_4 \">\n                    <\/colgroup>\n        <thead>\n<tr class=\"footable-header\">\n                                                                                        <th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_0 ninja_clmn_nm_city \">City<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_1 ninja_clmn_nm_average_household_income \">Median Home Price<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_2 ninja_clmn_nm_safety_rank \">Median House Rent<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_3 ninja_clmn_nm_median_home_value \">Cost of Living Compared to State Average<\/th><th scope=\"col\"  class=\"ninja_column_4 ninja_clmn_nm_median_house_value \">Affordability Score (out of 10)<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n\n        <tr data-row_id=\"15799\" class=\"ninja_table_row_0 nt_row_id_15799\">\n            <td>1. <b><a href=\"#adams\">Adams<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$229,288<\/td><td>$1,250<\/td><td>17% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.6<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15798\" class=\"ninja_table_row_1 nt_row_id_15798\">\n            <td>2. <b><a href=\"#north-adams\">North Adams<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$247,000<\/td><td>$1,500<\/td><td>22% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.6<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15794\" class=\"ninja_table_row_2 nt_row_id_15794\">\n            <td>3. <b><a href=\"#pittsfield\">Pittsfield<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$268,500<\/td><td>$1,500<\/td><td>26% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.6<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15795\" class=\"ninja_table_row_3 nt_row_id_15795\">\n            <td>4. <b><a href=\"#holyoke\">Holyoke<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$320,000<\/td><td>$1,495<\/td><td>20% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.5<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15796\" class=\"ninja_table_row_4 nt_row_id_15796\">\n            <td>5. <b><a href=\"#chicopee\">Chicopee<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$301,000<\/td><td> $1,523<\/td><td>17% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.4<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15800\" class=\"ninja_table_row_5 nt_row_id_15800\">\n            <td>6. <b><a href=\"#springfield\">Springfield<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$315,000<\/td><td>$1,509<\/td><td>14% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.4<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"15797\" class=\"ninja_table_row_6 nt_row_id_15797\">\n            <td>7. <b><a href=\"#gardner\"> Gardner<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$375,000<\/td><td> $1,616<\/td><td>14% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>8.0<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16879\" class=\"ninja_table_row_7 nt_row_id_16879\">\n            <td>8. <b><a href=\"#westfield\">Westfield<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$357,000<\/td><td>$1,916<\/td><td>17% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.8<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16878\" class=\"ninja_table_row_8 nt_row_id_16878\">\n            <td>9. <b><a href=\"#fitchburg\">Fitchburg<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$415,000<\/td><td>$1,795<\/td><td>18% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>7.7<\/td>        <\/tr>\n            <tr data-row_id=\"16880\" class=\"ninja_table_row_9 nt_row_id_16880\">\n            <td>10. <b><a href=\"#taunton\">Taunton<\/a><\/b><\/td><td>$476,000<\/td><td>$2,017<\/td><td>10% \u2b07\ufe0f<\/td><td>6.8<\/td>        <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody><!--ninja_tobody_rendering_done-->\n    <\/table>\n    \n    \n    \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheapest-city-to-live-in-ma\"><strong>How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"massachusetts-cost-of-living\"><strong>Data Sources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median Home Prices:<\/strong>&nbsp;We used Houzeo\u2019s&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/housing-market\/massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Massachusetts Housing Market<\/a>&nbsp;report and double-checked the numbers with the&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/donahue.umass.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Median Rent:<\/strong>&nbsp;We got the rent data from&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.c2er.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">C2ER<\/a>, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it\u2019s accurate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall Cost of Living:<\/strong>\u00a0We covered 6 big spending categories\u2014 housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods\u2014 from C2ER. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.<br>All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"affordable-massachusetts-towns\"><strong>Affordability Scoring:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Median Home Price (40%)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Median Rent (35%)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost of Living (25%)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This way, we can clearly show which Massachusetts cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/cptl-algorithm-massachusetts.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">score breakdown<\/a>&nbsp;to see how each city was ranked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Image credits: All blog images are sourced from&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Freepik<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\" id=\"cheapest-places-to-live-in-ma\"><strong>10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"adams\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#1<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Adams<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $229,288<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,250<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 17% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/adams-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Adams, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.6<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Downtown Adams:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>East Road:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maple Grove:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Rampant Housing Neglect:<\/strong> Slumlord rentals suffer leaking roofs, mold, and structural decay; high taxes fund little maintenance, leaving homes in perpetual disrepair.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drug and Crime Prevalence:<\/strong> Opioid crisis and rising break-ins create unsafe streets, especially near industrial edges; violence feels normalized in daily life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Local Amenities:<\/strong> Shuttered Main Street shops and scarce local jobs trap residents in welfare cycles, forcing long commutes for basics like groceries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"north-adams\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#2<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">North Adams<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $247,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 22% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/n-adams-scaled.webp\" alt=\"north adams\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.6<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Greylock:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>City Center:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>West Summit:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Blight and Urban Decay:<\/strong> Boarded-up factories, crumbling sidewalks, and littered streets dominate downtown, creating a perpetually rundown atmosphere that discourages investment or pride.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drug Epidemic and Crime:<\/strong> Open opioid use, frequent overdoses, and theft plague neighborhoods like Hadley Overpass, making evenings unsafe for walking or family outings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Severe Winters and Isolation:<\/strong> Harsh snow (100+ inches\/year) paralyzes roads for weeks, with remote location forcing 45-minute drives to Pittsfield for basics amid limited plowing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"pittsfield\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#3<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Pittsfield<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $268,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,500<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 26% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/pitts-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Pittsfield, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.6<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>West Side:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Morningside:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Downtown Pittsfield<\/strong>: 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Pittsfield&#8217;s job market centers on healthcare (27%\u00a0 jobs ), education, manufacturing, and tourism, with total nonfarm jobs being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/regions\/northeast\/ma_pittsfield_msa.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">58%<\/a>. Major employers include Berkshire Medical Center, Berkshire Community College, General Electric Plastics, and Berkshire Insurance Group.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Winter Road Hazards:<\/strong> Heavy snow (80+ inches annually) creates icy, poorly plowed streets; potholes worsen post-thaw, risking vehicle damage and dangerous drives during commutes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bLimited Nightlife and Retail:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bDrug-Related Crime Pockets:<\/strong> Opioid issues concentrate around Tyler Street and East Street with frequent thefts and overdoses; visible homelessness downtown erodes family-friendly vibes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>School Funding Shortfalls:<\/strong> Pittsfield High scores below state averages due to budget cuts; overcrowded classes and aging facilities frustrate parents seeking strong public education.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"holyoke\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Holyoke<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $320,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,495<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 20% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/holyoke-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Holyoke, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.5<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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 &#8220;The Paper City&#8221;. In addition, Holyoke provides access to river recreation, proximity to Springfield jobs, and vibrant Gateway City living with good career opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Highlands:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Springfield Street:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Downtown Holyoke:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Holyoke&#8217;s job market focuses on healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with unemployment at <a href=\"https:\/\/ycharts.com\/indicators\/holyoke_ma_unemployment_rate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">6.1%<\/a> in September 2025. Major employers include Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Community College, and CareerPoint staffing services. Healthcare added more roles amid Gateway City recovery.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> Holyoke features the Volleyball Hall of Fame (interactive exhibits on the sport&#8217;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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Concentrated Poverty:<\/strong> Downtown census tracts shows <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/us-cities\/massachusetts\/holyoke#economic-and-income\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">24%<\/a> poverty rate, fostering subsidized housing dominance (19% of stock) and limited upward mobility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>High Crime in Flats:<\/strong> The densely packed Flats neighborhood sees elevated theft, assaults, and gang activity, deterring families from safe evening walks or kid-friendly outings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bSubpar Schools:<\/strong> Holyoke public schools rank low statewide with chronic underfunding, overcrowded classes, and graduation rates lagging peers, frustrating parents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bIndustrial Blight:<\/strong> Abandoned mills and visible decay along canals create eyesores; harsh winters exacerbate potholes and flooding without robust city maintenance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"chicopee\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#5<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Chicopee<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $301,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,523<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 17% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/chico-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Chicopee, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.4<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Chicopee Center:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fairview:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Willimansett:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Chicopee&#8217;s job market centers on healthcare, manufacturing, and government services, recently named MA&#8217;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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Property Theft Hotspots:<\/strong> High larceny and burglary incidents(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborhoodscout.com\/ma\/chicopee\/crime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">18.58<\/a> per 1,000 residents) cluster near shopping districts and apartments, eroding trust in leaving homes or cars unattended overnight.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bSchool System Strains:<\/strong> Public schools suffer overcrowding and below-average test scores due to funding gaps, pushing parents toward costlier private or charter alternatives.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bTraffic and Infrastructure Woes:<\/strong> Congested routes like Memorial Drive feature potholes and poor lighting, exacerbating commute stress without reliable mass transit options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"springfield\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#6<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Springfield<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $315,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,509<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 14% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/springf-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Springfield, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.4<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Forest Park:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sixteen Acres:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maple High-Six Corners:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/regions\/northeast\/ma_springfield_msa.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">5.4%<\/a> with 140,000 nonfarm jobs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Extreme Violent Crime:<\/strong> The highest statewide numbers for assaults (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborhoodscout.com\/ma\/springfield\/crime\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">965<\/a>), robberies (289), and murders (29) make neighborhoods like downtown and North End unsafe for walking after dark.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Failing Public Schools:<\/strong> Chronic underfunding yields low graduation rates and violence in district schools, forcing families into expensive private options or relocation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Poverty-Driven Decay:<\/strong> Boarded storefronts, homeless encampments, and gang activity along Main Street amplify blight, contrasting sharply with polished nearby suburbs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gardner\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Gardner<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $375,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,616<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 14% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/gardner-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Gardner, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">8.0<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>East Gardner:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>South Gardner:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>City Center:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Housing and Infrastructure Decay:<\/strong> Aging rentals suffer mold, faulty wiring, and pothole-riddled roads from underfunded maintenance, amplifying winter hazards and repair costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limited Family Amenities:<\/strong> Few parks or youth programs beyond basic sports fields leave kids underserved; schools face overcrowding and middling performance statewide.<\/li>\n<li>\u200b<strong>Economic and Retail Void:<\/strong> Shuttered factories and sparse grocery options force commutes to Leominster, trapping residents in low-wage cycles with few local growth prospects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"westfield\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#8<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Westfield<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $357,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,916<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 17% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/westfield-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Westfield, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.8<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Mundale:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rock Valley:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Little River:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> Key employers include Mestek (HVAC manufacturing), Westfield State University (education), and Smith &amp; 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Assault Clusters Near Bars:<\/strong> Aggravated assaults (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homesnacks.com\/ma\/westfield\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">159.9<\/a> incidents) concentrate around Elm Street nightlife, creating risky late-night vibes despite overall low violent rates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bCar Theft Uptick:<\/strong> Vehicle thefts rose to 35 cases amid industrial park sprawl, hitting commuters who park overnight without secure garages.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commuter Traffic Gridlock:<\/strong> Route 20 bottlenecks during rush hour add 20+ minutes to Springfield drives, worsened by potholes and poor mass transit links.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"fitchburg\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#9<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Fitchburg<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $415,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $1,795<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 18% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/fitchburg-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Fitchburg, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">7.7<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>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. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/fitchburg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Fitchburg<\/a> offer access to arts events, low food\/transportation costs, and Gateway City revival living.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Cleghorn:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crockerville:<\/strong> A quiet urban area featuring modest single-family homes and community lots. It offers convenience to Goodrich Academy and walking paths along Flag Brook.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rollstone Hill:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Train Noise Disruption:<\/strong> Frequent freight trains rumble through downtown hourly, shaking homes and halting sleep\/commutes in rail-adjacent neighborhoods like Cleghorn.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bFlood Prone Areas:<\/strong> Nashua River overflows annually, flooding basements and roads in low-lying zones; outdated infrastructure amplifies property damage risks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bMosquito-Heavy Summers:<\/strong> Stagnant mill ponds breed aggressive swarms, making outdoor evenings miserable without constant repellents or screened porches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bCultural Isolation:<\/strong> Sparse arts scene and dying downtown leave weekends empty; nearest vibrancy requires 30-mile drives to Worcester events or Leominster shops.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"taunton\" class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"houzoTabBlock houzoTabBlockBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoToptab\"><div class=\"houzeoTabBlockTopRow houzeoTabBlockTopRowBPTLCPTL\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"left_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"city_rank\">#10<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"city_name\">Taunton<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"city_rating_list\"><ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Price:<\/strong> $476,000<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Median Home Rent:<\/strong> $2,017<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Cost of Living:<\/strong> 10% \u2b07\ufe0f than the state average<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"right_col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/taunton-1-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Cheapest places to live in Taunton, Massachusetts\" class=\"city_image\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopright\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTopRightIn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ratingStarSingle fiveStar\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoLogoRightCount\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<abbr class=\"fiveStar\">6.8<\/abbr>\/10\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"houzeoRightRatingBox\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoBottomTab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabLabelInnerWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel active\">\ud83d\udca1 Our Take<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83d\udccd Neighborhoods<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel\">\ud83c\udf89 Jobs &amp; Fun<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoLabel \">\ud83d\udea9 Dealbreakers<span class=\"downTringle\"><\/span><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoTabContentWrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeofirstDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><p>Taunton is known for its historic silver manufacturing heritage, earning it the nickname \u201cSilver City\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/taunton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Homes for sale in Taunton<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Whittenton:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weir Village:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>East Taunton:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Job Market:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recreation:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"houzeoDescContent houzeoLastDescContent\"><div class=\"contentDesc\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Mosquito Infestations:<\/strong> Swamps along the Taunton River breed relentless mosquito clouds in summer, invading homes and backyards without effective city spraying programs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bLimited Dining Variety:<\/strong> Few quality restaurants beyond chains; Portuguese eateries dominate, leaving diverse palates driving 20+ miles to Fall River or Providence for options.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u200bPolitical Gridlock:<\/strong> City council infighting stalls development like park upgrades or transit improvements, perpetuating outdated infrastructure and services.<\/li>\n<li>\u200b<strong>Commuter Dependency:<\/strong> No robust rail links force car reliance to Boston (1hr+), with Route 24 traffic jams amplifying gas costs and fatigue for hybrid workers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-pro-tip-box wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list pro-tip-blue-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pro-tip-icon.png\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" class=\"pro-tip-icon\"\/><p class=\"pro-tip-text\"><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong> <span>If you\u2019re looking for something on the northeastern coast, Boston could be a great option. From Dorchester to East Boston, you\u2019ll find a wide range of&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/boston\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">affordable houses in Boston<\/a>&nbsp;with strong rental potential.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion custom-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-custom-accordion-item accordion-item\"><button class=\"accordion-header\"><span class=\"accordion-title\">What are the affordable and safe places to live in Massachusetts?<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" class=\"accordion-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/flat-fee-mls\/faqArrow.svg\" alt=\"toggle\"\/><\/button><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>Norfolk (safety score of 99) and Woburn (safety score of 90) are the cheapest and&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/safest-places-to-live\/massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">safest cities in Massachusetts<\/a>. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheapest-towns-to-live-in-massachusetts\"><strong>Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Massachusetts for Young Adults<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It\u2019s Great for Young Adults<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Springfield<\/strong><\/td><td>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.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Adams<\/strong><\/td><td>Adams provides logistics, healthcare, and tech entry points, with groups like Berkshire Young Professionals for networking. Affordable&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/adams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">houses for sale in Adams<\/a>&nbsp;keep housing costs low, being the most affordable place to live in Massachusetts.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Worcester<\/strong><\/td><td>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&#8217;s a rising inventory of&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/worcester\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Worcester<\/a>.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheapest-town-to-live-in-massachusetts\"><strong>Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Massachusetts for Families<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It\u2019s Great for Families<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>North Adams<\/strong><\/td><td>Families enjoy natural attractions like Mount Greylock trails and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Outdoor recreation and pocket-friendly&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/north-adams\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in North Adams<\/a>&nbsp;make this city an ideal destination for families with kids.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Holyoke<\/strong><\/td><td>Holyoke offers free community programs through the Volleyball Hall of Fame and public library events. Affordable social services and cheap&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/holyoke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Holyoke<\/a>&nbsp;keep child-rearing costs down.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Pittsfield<\/strong><\/td><td>Home to Hancock Shaker Village and family festivals, kids love the cultural experiences. Rentals below state averages and&nbsp;<a     rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/pittsfield\">homes for sale in Pittsfield<\/a>&nbsp;provide great value near highly rated schools.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"best-places-to-retire-on-a-budget\"><strong>3 Best Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts for Retirees<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Rank<\/th><th>City<\/th><th>Why It\u2019s Great for Retirees<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1.<\/td><td><strong>Chicopee<\/strong><\/td><td>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&nbsp;homes for sale in Chicopee&nbsp;make it easy to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2.<\/td><td><strong>Gardner<\/strong><\/td><td>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&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/gardner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Gardner<\/a>&nbsp;support a quiet retirement.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3.<\/td><td><strong>Westfield<\/strong><\/td><td>Westfield offers a relaxed lifestyle, complete with senior wellness programs and proximity to medical facilities. Community events and scenic spots abound. You can find&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/westfield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">homes for sale in Westfield<\/a>&nbsp;near parks and trails.\u200b<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheap-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\"><strong>3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/property-tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">property taxes<\/a> along with home maintenance and utilities when looking for the cheapest area to live in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Property Taxes:<\/strong>&nbsp;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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Home Maintenance:<\/strong>&nbsp;Standard homeowners&#8217; insurance doesn\u2019t include wear from snow and cold. Repairs for roofs, HVAC, or plumbing from&nbsp;energy rebates&nbsp;or contractors now average $10,000\u2013$12,000 per year, rising about 5% annually amid labor shortages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Utilities:<\/strong>&nbsp;Massachusetts&nbsp;utilities&nbsp;typically range from $4,500 to $6,000 of annual household costs, varying by town and adding to yearly ownership expenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-pro-tip-box wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list pro-tip-blue-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pro-tip-icon.png\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" class=\"pro-tip-icon\"\/><p class=\"pro-tip-text\"><strong>Quick Tip<\/strong> <span>Massachusetts\u2019 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.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"affordable-towns-massachusetts\"><strong>Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Massachusetts to Live In<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>City<\/th><th>Median Home Price<\/th><th>Avg. Monthly Mortgage<\/th><th>Insurance\/taxes<\/th><th>Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person<\/th><th>Monthly Savings vs. Boston<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Adams<\/td><td>$245,000<\/td><td>$1,548<\/td><td>$465<\/td><td>$1,789<\/td><td>$2,452<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Worcester<\/td><td>$385,000<\/td><td>$2,435<\/td><td>$712<\/td><td>$2,473<\/td><td>$1,768<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Boston<\/td><td>$725,000<\/td><td>$4,582<\/td><td>$1,628<\/td><td>$4,241<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source:&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.expatistan.com\/cost-of-living\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Expatistan<\/a><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"most-affordable-towns-in-massachusetts\"><strong>Affordable Living Beyond Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"cheapest-places-to-rent-in-massachusetts\"><strong>Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Connecticut ranks #2 nationally for public schools, with Yale and elite privates like Choate. Here are the top 3&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-connecticut\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in Connecticut<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Waterbury: <\/strong>Homes around $220,000, rent under $1,200, near Naugatuck Valley Community College and strong public districts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Norwich: <\/strong>Homes around $235,000, rent from $1,100, with access to Three Rivers College and family-friendly schools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Torrington:<\/strong> Homes near $210,000, rent from $1,050, offering solid K-12 rankings and proximity to university towns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"cheapest-place-in-massachusetts-to-live\"><strong>Robust Job Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New Hampshire boasts tech\/manufacturing growth (no income tax) with Dartmouth and 20K+ job openings across sectors. These are the top three&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-new-hampshire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in New Hampshire<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Berlin: <\/strong>Homes around $145,000, rent near $900. Jobs are mainly in manufacturing, paper mills, and outdoor tourism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Claremont: <\/strong>Homes around $190,000, rent near $1,000. The economy is led by healthcare at Valley Regional and manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Somersworth:<\/strong> Homes from $275,000, rent $1,200\u2013$1,400. Tech\/logistics roles are abundant near the Portsmouth hub, and the median price is almost  $95K+.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-15\" id=\"median-home-price-in-massachusetts\"><strong>Healthcare<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rhode Island ranks #1 for access to healthcare (97% insured plans) with Brown University and Lifespan hospitals. Here are the&nbsp;<a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-rhode-island\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in Rhode Island<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Woonsocket:<\/strong> Median home price $285,000, rent from $1,150. Affordable care via CVS HQ and Landmark Medical Center.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pawtucket: <\/strong>Median home price around $310,000, rent from $1,300, with strong hospitals and access to state-funded RIte Care plans (Rhode Island&#8217;s official Medicaid).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Central Falls:<\/strong> Slightly more affordable, median homes $290,000, rent from $1,200. Families have access to top-ranked health systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-houzeo-pro-tip-box wp-block-houzeo-grey-text blue-box-content-list pro-tip-blue-box\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"840px\" height=\"450px\" src=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pro-tip-icon.png\" alt=\"pro tip icon\" class=\"pro-tip-icon\"\/><p class=\"pro-tip-text\"><strong><strong>Want to cast a wider net?<\/strong> <\/strong> <span>Beyond Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, explore the <a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cheapest places to live in the US<\/a> where your dollar stretches even further.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-25\" id=\"cheapest-places-in-massachusetts-to-live\"><strong>Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Massachusetts?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"margin-top-15\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"margin-top-15\"><a     href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/moving-to-massachusetts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moving to Massachusetts<\/a>&nbsp;also offers valuable tax advantages, with property taxes averaging at 0.80%. Whether you\u2019re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div  class=\"hfsWidget \" data-widget-title=\"Find homes in Massachusetts that fit your budget<br \/>\n\ud83c\udf42\" data-widget-list-item1=\"1st item\" data-widget-list-item2=\"2nd item\" data-widget-list-item3=\"3rd item\" data-widget-type=\"buyer1\" data-widget-vendor-type=\"inspector\" data-widget-state=\"ma\" data-widget-city=\"\" data-widget-redirect-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" data-widget-redirect-text=\"Cheap homes for sale in Massachusetts \" data-widget-button-url=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\" data-widget-button-text=\"\" data-widget-min-price=\"0\" data-widget-max-price=\"0\" data-widget-min-area=\"0\" data-widget-max-area=\"0\" data-widget-sidebar=\"false\">\n        <div class=\"widgetMainBox mainBox456\">\n        <div class=\"widgetBox widgetBox3 buyer-one\">\n            <div class=\"widgetTop\" style=\"display: flex;\">\n                <div class=\"widgetTopcont\">\n                    <div class=\"homePageQuickListing -page homepage widgetInBox3 hfs_new_design_widget\">\n                      <div class=\"HeaderTopSidebar\"> \n                        <p class=\"headerStyle\">Find homes in Massachusetts that fit your budget<br \/>\n\ud83c\udf42<\/p>\n                                                                         <div class=\"widgetList skeleton skeleton-text\">\n                            <p>View 27,667 homes for sale in <span\n                            class=\"propertyStateSpan\">MA<\/span><\/p>                            \n                        <\/div>\n                                                                      <\/div>  \n                        <div class=\"verifyFieldForm addInput\">\n                            <div class=\"inputSearchBox\">\n                                <div class=\"inputBoxElement addressBar\">\n                                    <input type=\"text\" name=\"ITBTtRE\" id=\"buyerAutocomplete\"\n                                        placeholder=\"Enter an address, city, neighborhood, or ZIP\"\n                                        class=\"pac-target-input buyerAutocomplete\" autocomplete=\"off\">\n                                <\/div>\n                                <span class=\"errorStreetMsg errorMsg\">Please enter valid address<\/span>\n                            <\/div>\n                            \n                            <div class=\"inputSubmitBox\">\n                                                                <button id=\"buyerBtnBox456\" class=\"continueCta storeAddress next_btn buyerBtnBox\">Search\n                                    <span class=\"arrowContinue\"><\/span><\/button>\n                            <\/div>\n                        \n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"widgetInsideBox\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyBoxNew\" id=\"propertyContainer\">\n                <div class=\"widgetPropertyInnerBox\">   \n                 \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/12-oread-st-worcester-ma-01610\/hzid_19c763a3\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/70\/MPINMeb3f3af324062b1555c221ace27d2593\/1_eb3f3af324062b1555c221ace27d2593-m1_920b616877_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSPINLogo-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$2,100,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t12 oread st, <br\/>worcester, MA 01610\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: David R. Eldredge | Realty Solutions <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: MLS Property Information Network-MA | MLS#: 73485885<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew halfWidthCard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes\/175-belmont-st-belmont-ma-02478\/hzid_70b51f5a\" class=\"widgetAnchorColumnLink\" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetImageBox\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.houzeo.com\/idx\/media\/70\/MPINM96e4eefacb413fec7f086a02228c22b5\/1_96e4eefacb413fec7f086a02228c22b5-m1_45f000be6c_dim_640X450.webp\" alt=\"\" onerror=\"this.src='https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/seller\/listing\/uploads\/listing_images\/thumbnails\/empty-property.jpg';\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/idx\/MLSPINLogo-xs.webp\" alt=\"logo\" class=\"insideWidgetLogo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <div class=\"widgetTextBox\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <p class=\"priceText\">$2,150,000<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <span class=\"addressText\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t175 belmont st, <br\/>belmont, MA 02478\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"suummarize-info grey-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dtpwvruv8ddnl.cloudfront.net\/images\/blog\/blog-info-gray.svg\" alt=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"voult-tooltip-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"fz-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tListing Provided by: Fariba Rostam | Boston City Realty <br>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSource: MLS Property Information Network-MA | MLS#: 73496146<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t   <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"widgetPropColumnNew fullWidthCard \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/homes-for-sale\/massachusetts\/cheap-homes-for-sale\" class=\"widgetanctextfind widgetancTextForAll\" target=\"_blank\">Cheap homes for sale in Massachusetts <span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/houzeo-media-1.s3.amazonaws.com\/homes-for-sale\/blue-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow\" width=\"11\" height=\"10\"><\/span> \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n                   <\/div>   \n               \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n       \n    <\/div>\n\t<script>\n    document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {        \n        if (!window.assetsLoaded) {\n            window.assetsLoaded = true;\n            var version = (typeof customData !== 'undefined' && customData.customVersion) ? customData.customVersion : '1.0';\n            loadScript('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/js\/hfs-widget.js?version=' + version);\n            loadCSS('\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/houzeo-new-design\/css\/hfs-widget.css?version=' + version);\n        }    \n    });\n\t\t\n\t<\/script>\n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading margin-top-28\" id=\"FAQs\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-faq-schema-wrap wp-faq-schema-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-faq-schema-items\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the least expensive to live in Massachusetts?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The cheapest place to live in Massachusetts is <a href=\"#adams\">Adams<\/a>. It offers affordable housing at a median sale price of 229K.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00bb <a href=\"#cheapest-ma-cities\">10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts<\/a>:<\/strong> Find out the other most affordable cities in Massachusetts.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere is the best place to live in Massachusetts?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/best-places-to-live\/massachusetts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">best place to live in Massachusetts<\/a>\u00a0is Cambridge, followed by Worcester, Quincy, Springfield, Boston, Salem, and Somerville.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat are the living expenses in Massachusetts?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The average cost to live in Massachusetts is 48% higher than the national average. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere are the cheap places to retire in Massachusetts on a budget?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Chicopee, Gardner, and Westfield are among the <a href=\"#best-places-to-retire-on-a-budget\">cheap places to retire in Massachusetts<\/a> on a budget. They offer affordable housing, small-town comfort, and easy access to medical care.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ui-accordion-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWhich cities have the cheapest cost of living in Massachusetts?\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ui-accordion-header-icon ui-icon ui-icon-triangle-1-s\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ui-accordion-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"#pittsfield\">Pittsfield<\/a> (109.52) and <a href=\"#north-adams\">North Adams<\/a> (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. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"new-excerpt\"><p class=\"small-desc\">Here are the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts: 1. North Adams 2. Springfield 3. Pittsfield 4. Chicopee 5. Holyoke 6. Gardner 7....<\/p><\/div><div class=\"reading_date\"><span class=\"readtime\">10 mins read<\/span><span class=\"date\">Jun 02, 2026<\/span><\/div>","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":505795,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46225,46263],"tags":[49660,49659,49662,49663,49661],"class_list":["post-457348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buyer","category-cheapest-places-to-live","tag-affordable-housing-massachusetts","tag-cheap-apartments-in-massachusetts","tag-cheap-houses-in-massachusetts","tag-cheapest-places-to-live-massachusetts","tag-new-affordable-housing-developments-in-massachusetts"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts (2026 Updates)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts: 1. Adams 2. North Adams 3. Pittsfield 4. Holyoke 5. Chicopee 6. Springfield 7. Gardner\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts (2026 Updates)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here are the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts: 1. Adams 2. North Adams 3. Pittsfield 4. Holyoke 5. Chicopee 6. Springfield 7. Gardner\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Houzeo Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-02T08:46:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-02T08:47:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Massachusetts.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"810\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"435\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Aaryesh Pundlik\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Aaryesh Pundlik\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts (2026 Updates)","description":"Here are the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts: 1. Adams 2. North Adams 3. Pittsfield 4. Holyoke 5. Chicopee 6. Springfield 7. Gardner","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts (2026 Updates)","og_description":"Here are the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts: 1. Adams 2. North Adams 3. Pittsfield 4. Holyoke 5. Chicopee 6. Springfield 7. Gardner","og_url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/","og_site_name":"Houzeo Blog","article_published_time":"2026-06-02T08:46:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-02T08:47:12+00:00","og_image":[{"width":810,"height":435,"url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Massachusetts.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Aaryesh Pundlik","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Aaryesh Pundlik","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/","url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/","name":"10 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts (2026 Updates)","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Massachusetts.webp","datePublished":"2026-06-02T08:46:54+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-02T08:47:12+00:00","description":"Here are the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts: 1. Adams 2. North Adams 3. Pittsfield 4. Holyoke 5. Chicopee 6. Springfield 7. Gardner","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/cheapest-places-to-live-in-massachusetts\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Massachusetts.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Massachusetts.webp","width":810,"height":435,"caption":"Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/","name":"Houzeo Blog","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Houzeo","url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/new-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/new-logo.png","width":190,"height":55,"caption":"Houzeo"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=457348"}],"version-history":[{"count":268,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":931760,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/457348\/revisions\/931760"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/505795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=457348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=457348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.houzeo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=457348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}