Because let’s be honest—this economy’s rough. And if there’s a way to keep your paycheck from disappearing into rent or a mortgage, I’m all ears. Aren’t you?
Why Cheaper Cities in Massachusetts Are Worth It (For Real)
Massachusetts has a lot going for it: stunning coastal towns, lush mountain views, world-class schools, and some of the most charming main streets you’ll find anywhere. But it’s also… pricey. And unless you’re sitting on a six-figure salary or a fat inheritance, you might be asking: Where can I live without draining my savings?
Well, you’re not alone.
Big Cities Are Great… But They’re Not Cheap
Sure, Boston and Cambridge are loaded with perks—top-tier universities, booming job markets, endless places to eat and explore. But they also come with a price tag that’ll make your jaw drop. Boston’s median home price? Nearly $800K. Rent? Often $3,000/month or more.
If that doesn’t work for your budget (or your sanity), it’s time to look elsewhere.
The Real Benefits of Affordable Towns
When you move to a more affordable part of Massachusetts, life changes in ways that feel good. Here’s what starts happening:
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Your housing costs drop—and suddenly you’re not house poor.
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Groceries, gas, and health care don’t sting as much.
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You get more space, both inside and outside.
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There’s less noise, less traffic, more nature.
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You feel like part of a real community again.
And most importantly? You stop living paycheck to paycheck.
What We Looked At to Rank These Cities
This wasn’t just guesswork. To find the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts, I looked at hard data—and asked the right questions:
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Median Home Value: Can the average person buy here?
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Median Rent: Is monthly rent manageable, or does it require three roommates and a miracle?
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Cost of Living Index: How do local prices stack up against the national average?
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Median Household Income: Can people actually live here and save?
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Population & Jobs: Is there work? Are the vibes right?
If a town had good numbers across the board—and a decent quality of life—it made the cut.
1 North Adams – The Budget King of Massachusetts
You’ve probably never heard someone say, “I’m moving to North Adams!”—but maybe that’s exactly why it’s so affordable. This little gem in the Berkshires is the most budget-friendly city in Massachusetts right now, and honestly? It’s kind of perfect for anyone sick of big-city stress.
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🏠 Median Home Value: $245,838
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💸 Average Rent: $1,350
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🛒 Cost of Living: 4.1% below the national average
Why You Might Actually Love Living Here
North Adams is artsy without being pretentious. It’s quiet, but not boring. And the nature? Incredible. MASS MoCA (one of the largest museums of contemporary art in the country) is right here. You’ve got rivers, trails, and community events that still feel local, not curated for tourists.
Even better? Transportation costs are 27.4% lower than the national average, which is huge if you drive regularly or commute.
Who It’s Great For
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Remote workers who want peace, space, and low costs
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Retirees looking to stretch their savings
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Artists and creatives seeking inspiration and affordability
North Adams doesn’t shout for attention—but that’s part of its charm. It’s the cheapest city in Massachusetts for a reason: it’s livable, lovable, and easy on your bank account.
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2 Springfield – Big-City Amenities Without the Price Tag
Now, if you’re not quite ready for small-town life but still need your budget to breathe, Springfield should be on your radar. It’s one of the larger cities in the state but somehow still keeps prices under control.
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🏘 Median Home Value: $282,534
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🏠 Rent: $1,750 on average
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🌆 Population: Over 150,000
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🩺 Healthcare Costs: 8.7% below the national average
City Life, Less Stress
Springfield offers all the basics—hospitals, public transportation, colleges, museums—without Boston’s price tag. It sits along the beautiful Connecticut River and is home to strong employers like Baystate Health, MassMutual, and Smith & Wesson.
And yes, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, hike, and relax. The best part? You’re not drowning in debt to do it.
Who Will Like It Here
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Young professionals looking to build careers
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Families needing space and solid schools
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People priced out of Boston who still want a city vibe
Springfield is one of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts if you still want the perks of a metro area—without the sky-high costs.
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3 Pittsfield – Small City, Big Views, Better Prices
Next up is Pittsfield—another Berkshire beauty that doesn’t get enough credit. If you’ve ever dreamed of mountain views, weekend farmers markets, and walkable neighborhoods, this might be your spot.
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🏡 Home Price: $297,911
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💵 Rent: $1,500 average
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🌄 Cost of Living: 4.1% under the national average
What Makes Pittsfield Special
Pittsfield blends scenic charm with culture. You’ll find theaters, museums, lakes, and hiking trails—plus employers like Berkshire Medical Center and General Dynamics.
Housing is 25.2% lower than the U.S. average, and you can still snag a cozy single-family home here for under $300K. In this market? That’s rare.
Best For…
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People who love both quiet and community
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Artists, families, and retirees
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Anyone sick of traffic and overpriced groceries
This is one of those towns where your dollar goes further—and your stress level goes way down.
4 Chicopee – Calm, Clean, and Surprisingly Convenient
If you’re looking for a town where everything just works—without crushing your budget—Chicopee is worth a serious look.
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🏠 Median Home Value: $301,948
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💳 Rent: $1,650 average
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🏥 Healthcare Costs: 9.7% below the U.S. average
Retire Here, Raise a Family, or Just… Breathe
Chicopee doesn’t have the noise or flash of a big city. But what it does have is community, nature, and a super livable cost structure. You’re near Springfield (for jobs and services), but far enough to enjoy peace and quiet.
It’s also one of the best places for retirees, thanks to low property taxes, affordable housing, and access to quality care.
Local employers include Callaway Golf, DuBois & King, and Westover Air Reserve Base, so the job market is better than you might expect.
5 Holyoke – Affordable with That Old-School Charm
Holyoke might not be on your radar, but maybe it should be. Once called “The Paper City,” it’s now gaining traction as one of Massachusetts’ most livable hidden gems.
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🏘 Median Home Value: $309,611
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🏠 Rent: $1,525 on average
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📉 Cost of Living: 3.8% under national average
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🚌 Transportation Costs: 11.5% lower than U.S. average
Why It’s Worth a Look
Holyoke blends the old with the new. You’ll find gorgeous old mills converted into lofts, riverside parks, and a community that’s rebuilding with purpose. It’s diverse, affordable, and full of potential.
If you want value but still crave culture and character, Holyoke delivers.
6. Gardner – A Safe Haven for First-Time Buyers
You know that feeling when you step into a place and instantly think, “Yeah, I could live here”? That’s Gardner. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of town that makes sense—especially if you’re buying your first home. Homes here sit around $356,924, and rent averages $1,625—numbers that are hard to find in Massachusetts these days.
Why Gardner Feels Right
One thing I love about Gardner? It’s calm but not dead. You get the perks of a small town—low crime rates (about 24% lower than the state average!)—without feeling like you’ve moved to the middle of nowhere. Plus, the people? Friendly. It’s the kind of place where neighbors still wave.
Jobs lean towards practical trades and manufacturing. You’ll find companies like:
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Advanced Cable Ties
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Garlock Printing & Converting
Why It’s Great for Homebuyers
The real estate market here feels… approachable. You can snag a single-family house, maybe even with a backyard, for what you’d pay for a tiny condo in Boston. And property taxes? Reasonable. Plus, groceries and utilities won’t send you into sticker shock.
Gardner is perfect if you want more space, a slower pace, and a sense of safety. It’s the kind of place you settle into and think, “Yeah, this is home.”
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7. Fitchburg – More Space for Your Dollar
Fitchburg doesn’t scream “city life,” but that’s kind of the beauty of it. You can actually get a decent-sized home here for around $383,985, and rent averages about $1,850. For Massachusetts, that’s a pretty good deal.
What’s Good About Fitchburg?
Here’s the thing: you get space. A yard. Maybe even a porch. And your monthly expenses don’t feel like a constant squeeze. Transportation here is about 10% cheaper than the national average, and food? Roughly $686 a month for one person—way less than Boston.
You also get a younger vibe thanks to Fitchburg State University, which keeps the local economy buzzing with jobs in education and healthcare.
Who Would Love It Here?
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Young professionals tired of city rents
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Families who need room to grow
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Commuters, since you’ve got a commuter rail link to Boston
Fitchburg gives you that mix of city services and small-town chill, all while keeping your bank account happy.
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8 Taunton – A Little Pricier, But Full of Perks
Okay, let’s be real—Taunton isn’t the cheapest place on this list. Homes here are around $488,278, and rent averages $2,000. But for what you get? It’s worth it.
Why People Choose Taunton
Taunton, nicknamed the “Silver City,” has this cool balance of history, job opportunities, and location. You’re smack between Providence and Boston, which is gold if you need to commute or want weekend city escapes. Plus, healthcare costs here are 11.4% below the national average, which is huge for families.
Neighborhood Vibes
Picture historic neighborhoods, leafy parks, and a restaurant scene that’s quietly growing. Yes, it costs a bit more than places like Gardner, but you’re getting better jobs and better access to bigger cities.
If you can stretch your budget slightly, Taunton is one of those towns that just feels like it’s going places—without making you broke in the process.
9. Adams – Cozy Small-Town Living for Less
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle (without paying a fortune), Adams might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s one of the most affordable towns in Massachusetts, with a median home price of just $251,491 and rent averaging $1,900.
What Makes Adams Different
Adams is a place where time feels slower—in the best possible way. Picture waking up to the rolling Berkshire hills, spending weekends exploring Mount Greylock, or cycling along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. It’s small, with under 8,000 people, but that’s part of the charm. No constant traffic jams. No endless noise.
Housing here is 37% cheaper than the U.S. average, and you can still find single-family homes under $250K—a rarity in today’s market.
Work & Lifestyle
The economy isn’t booming like Boston, but it’s stable. Employers like Minerals Technologies and the Town of Adams keep things running. If you work remotely, this is an even bigger win—you’ll have the quiet space to focus while enjoying a seriously low cost of living.
Who’s it for?
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Remote workers
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Retirees craving peace and nature
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First-time buyers who want a manageable mortgage
10. Westfi eld – Affordable, Yet Close to Everything
Last but definitely not least on our list is Westfield—a mid-sized city with just the right blend of affordability and convenience. Homes here average $357,493, and rent sits around $1,800.
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Why Westfield Works
The town is big enough to have everything you need (good schools, parks, stores), but small enough to feel like a community. It’s also 3.8% cheaper to live here compared to the national average, with transportation costs nearly 12% lower—a big plus if you commute.
Major employers like Mestek and ONsite Mammography provide steady local jobs. And if you want a quick weekend escape, Springfield and Hartford are close by.
Who will love Westfield?
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Families wanting safe neighborhoods and outdoor space
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Young professionals looking for a cheaper alternative to Springfield
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Anyone who wants suburban life without sky-high prices
Cost Comparison Table – Quick Snapshot of the Top 10
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living (vs US) | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Adams | $245,838 | $1,350 | 4.1% lower | $49,525 |
| Springfield | $282,534 | $1,750 | 3.8% lower | $47,677 |
| Pittsfield | $297,911 | $1,500 | 4.1% lower | $66,859 |
| Chicopee | $301,948 | $1,650 | 3.8% lower | $63,866 |
| Holyoke | $309,611 | $1,525 | 3.8% lower | $49,007 |
| Gardner | $356,924 | $1,625 | 12.5% lower | $56,974 |
| Fitchburg | $383,985 | $1,850 | 12.5% lower | $65,963 |
| Taunton | $488,278 | $2,000 | 12.4% lower | $72,782 |
| Adams | $251,491 | $1,900 | 4.1% lower | $49,077 |
| Westfield | $357,493 | $1,800 | 3.8% lower | $78,307 |
How to Find a Home in Massachusetts Under $300K
Yes, it’s possible—and no, you don’t have to settle for a total fixer-upper. The trick is knowing where to look and how to approach the market.
1. Use Smart Platforms
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Houzeo.com – A goldmine for for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) properties.
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Zillow & Realtor.com – Filter by price cap ($300K) and “must-have” features.
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Local Listings & Facebook Groups – Smaller towns often have homes that never make it to the big websites.
2. Target the Right Cities
Cities like North Adams, Springfield, Adams, and Holyoke regularly have listings under $300K. The key is to watch the market closely—homes move fast in this price range.
3. Get Pre-Approved
Sellers love buyers who are ready to move. A pre-approved mortgage shows you’re serious and helps you close faster. Use a Massachusetts mortgage calculator to figure out exactly how much house you can afford (including taxes and insurance).
4. Work With Local Experts
A local real estate agent can tip you off about hidden gems before they go public. In smaller towns, this can make all the difference.
Wrapping It Up – Should You Move to a Cheaper Massachusetts City?
Here’s the thing—Massachusetts doesn’t have to mean sky-high rent and living paycheck to paycheck. We’ve just walked through 10 cities where you can actually breathe, own a home without panic, and still enjoy all the charm of New England.
Think about it. North Adams is perfect if you want an artsy, quiet vibe without Boston’s chaos. Westfield? It’s that “just-right” blend of affordability, good schools, and easy access to bigger towns. Honestly, there’s a sweet spot here for almost every lifestyle and budget.
So, if you’re tired of chasing expensive rentals or feeling like owning a home is out of reach—maybe it’s time to look beyond the obvious big cities. You might be surprised at what’s out there.
FAQs – Affordable Living in Massachusetts
1. Which city is the absolute cheapest to live in Massachusetts right now?
That would be North Adams, hands down. Homes average around $245,838, and the typical rent is about $1,350. It’s affordable, scenic, and honestly—kind of a hidden gem.
2. Can someone live in Massachusetts on $50K a year?
Sure, if you choose smartly. Cities like Springfield or Adams are a lot friendlier on your wallet than Boston or Cambridge. You’d still have enough for groceries, bills, and even a night out now and then.
3. What towns are best for retirees who want low costs?
Chicopee and Pittsfield are excellent picks. Why? Affordable homes, healthcare that won’t break the bank, and a pace of life that’s perfect for retirement.
4. Where can I find a house under $300K?
North Adams, Holyoke, and Springfield still have homes in that price range. It’s getting harder, but those cities give you a shot.
5. Is Springfield more affordable than Pittsfield?
For rent? Yes—Springfield has the edge. Pittsfield, though, is more scenic and relaxed. It really depends on what you value more: low rent or nature and culture.
6. Which city has the lowest rent in Massachusetts?
Right now, North Adams is topping the list with rents starting near $1,350. Springfield and Adams follow close behind.
7. What’s the fastest way to find affordable houses in Massachusetts?
Skip the generic search and go local. Houzeo, MLS listings, and even local Facebook groups can uncover deals fast. Bonus tip? Get pre-approved—sellers love serious buyers.
