Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts

Massachusetts blends history and innovation, offering lively cities, quaint towns, and beautiful coastlines. With top universities, a strong job market, and a rich culture, it’s a great place for families, professionals, and retirees.

As of 2024, Massachusetts continues to offer strong job opportunities, particularly in tech and biotech, but affordability remains a challenge. With median home prices around $615,000, a 5% state income tax, and a competitive housing market, finding an affordable place to live can seem daunting.

This guide will explore the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts, breaking down housing costs, cost-of-living insights, and homeownership assistance programs to help you make an informed decision.

Massachusetts is often associated with high living costs, particularly in Boston and its surrounding suburbs. However, there are many areas across the state that offer low-cost living in Massachusetts while still providing great amenities, job opportunities, and a high quality of life. Here’s why Massachusetts remains an excellent choice for affordable living:

Massachusetts has a thriving economy with major industries such as technology, healthcare, education, and finance. Cities like Worcester, Lowell, and Springfield offer a lower cost of living compared to Boston but still provide access to high-paying jobs.

The state is home to some of the best public school systems in the U.S., making it an attractive choice for families. Massachusetts also boasts top-tier healthcare institutions, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care.

From the historic streets of Salem to the picturesque Berkshires, Massachusetts offers plenty of cultural, recreational, and outdoor activities. Many of the best cities to live in Massachusetts have affordable housing options while maintaining vibrant local communities.

Before choosing a city to move to, it’s important to understand the Massachusetts cost of living in terms of housing, transportation, utilities, and other expenses.

Housing is often the biggest expense when living in Massachusetts. Here’s a breakdown of median home prices in Massachusetts and rental costs:

• Statewide median home price: $570,000 (as of 2024)

• Apartment prices in Massachusetts: $2,800/month for a one-bedroom in Boston, but significantly lower in smaller cities like Springfield ($1,200/month)

Massachusetts experiences cold winters, meaning heating costs can be high. On average, residents spend $200–$300 per month on utilities, including electricity, heating, and water.

If you live in a city with public transportation, such as Boston, Worcester, or Lowell, a monthly transit pass costs around $90–$150. In suburban or rural areas, car expenses such as gas, insurance, and maintenance can add up to $400–$600 per month.

A typical household of two spends between $400–$600 per month on groceries, depending on location and shopping habits. Dining out is also more affordable in smaller cities compared to Boston.

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Now that you have an overview of the Massachusetts cost of living, let's explore some of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts that provide affordable housing and a high quality of life.

Springfield, the largest city in western Massachusetts, is known for its rich history and affordability. It offers urban conveniences, cultural attractions, and access to outdoor recreation.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$300,000, lower than the state average.

• Cost of Living: Affordable housing; rent averages ~$1,200/month.

• Job Market: Strong in healthcare, education, and manufacturing; major employers include Baystate Health and MassMutual.

Chicopee, known as the "Crossroads of New England," offers a suburban feel with easy access to major highways and nearby cities. It’s a family-friendly community with parks, shopping, and strong local schools.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$301,948, making it an affordable option.

• Cost of Living: Lower than the state average; rent averages ~$1,300/month.

• Job Market: Opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail; major employers include Westover Air Reserve Base and Baystate Health.

Pittsfield, the heart of the Berkshires, is known for its scenic beauty, arts scene, and outdoor recreation. It offers a small-town feel with cultural attractions like the Barrington Stage Company and Hancock Shaker Village.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$297,911, among the lowest in the state.

• Cost of Living: Affordable housing; rent averages ~$1,000/month.

• Job Market: Strong in healthcare, education, and tourism; major employers include Berkshire Health Systems and General Dynamics.

Gardner, known as the "Furniture Capital of New England," is a small city with a close-knit community and affordable living. It offers a mix of historic charm, outdoor recreation, and easy access to Worcester.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$356,924, lower than the state average.

• Cost of Living: Budget-friendly; rent averages ~$1,500/month.

• Job Market: Opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and education; major employers include Heywood Hospital and Mount Wachusett Community College.

Fitchburg, a historic city in north-central Massachusetts, offers a blend of urban and suburban living with scenic parks and a growing arts scene. It provides easy access to Boston via commuter rail.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$383,985, more affordable than nearby Boston suburbs.

• Cost of Living: Lower than the state average; rent averages ~$1,400/month.

• Job Market: Strong in education, healthcare, and manufacturing; major employers include Fitchburg State University and UMass Memorial Health.

If you're looking to buy instead of rent, here are some of the best budget-friendly cities in Massachusetts with lower-than-average home prices.

North Adams, a small city in the Berkshires, is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and affordability. It’s home to MASS MoCA, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$245,838, among the lowest in Massachusetts.

• Cost of Living: Very affordable; rent averages ~$1,000/month.

• Job Market: Opportunities in arts, education, and healthcare; major employers include MASS MoCA, Williams College, and Berkshire Health Systems.

Holyoke, a historic mill city along the Connecticut River, is known for its industrial heritage, diverse community, and revitalization efforts. It offers scenic parks, cultural attractions, and a growing economy.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$309,611, making it a budget-friendly option.

• Cost of Living: Lower than the state average; rent averages ~$1,200/month.

• Job Market: Opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and education; major employers include Holyoke Medical Center and Hazen Paper Company.

Taunton, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., offers a mix of historic charm, suburban living, and convenient access to Boston and Providence. It features parks, a growing economy, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

• Home Prices: Median home price ~$400,000, lower than many Boston suburbs.

• Cost of Living: More affordable than Greater Boston; rent averages ~$1,500/month.

• Job Market: Strong in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail; major employers include Morton Hospital and General Dynamics.

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Massachusetts offers various programs to help first-time homebuyers and renters find affordable housing in Massachusetts.

• Offers low-interest mortgages and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.

• Provides affordable rental housing options.

• Provides up to $7,000 in rental assistance to prevent homelessness.

• A one-stop application for state-aided public housing and rental vouchers.

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Because moving to Massachusetts shouldn’t just be affordable. It should feel empowering.

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If you're also trying to stretch your budget without compromising on safety, don’t miss our guide to the safest places to live in Massachusetts —because peace of mind shouldn’t come at a premium.

And if you're still weighing your options, wondering whether to rent or buy, you're not the only one asking that question right now. Our Rent vs. Buy comparison breaks down the pros, cons, and long-term trade-offs—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits your life.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

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