Cost of Living in Chatham, MA
Population 6,643 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Chatham sits 181% above the national median — $858,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $86,674 (16% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Located 50 miles east of New Bedford, Chatham falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 164% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chatham
The median home value in Chatham is $857,900 — 181% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,180/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $86,674/year is 16% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 57.7°F and lows of 44.1°F. Overall, Chatham has a cost of living index of 205 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 105% more expensive.
Chatham has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 40 | 44 | 52 | 62 | 72 | 79 | 78 | 71 | 61 | 52 | 44 |
| Low °F | 26 | 26 | 31 | 39 | 48 | 57 | 64 | 64 | 58 | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.75 | 3.61 | 4.43 | 4.01 | 3.34 | 2.95 | 2.79 | 3.03 | 3.58 | 4.23 | 4.47 | 5.00 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chatham, MA?
Chatham has a cost index of 205 (100 = national average). It is 105% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chatham, MA?
The median gross rent in Chatham is $1,180 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham is $857,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham is $86,674 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chatham, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chatham is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Chatham, MA affordable?
Chatham is above average in cost of living, with an index of 205 — about 105% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chatham?
Chatham has average high temperatures of 57.7°F and average lows of 44.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chatham at a Glance
- Population
- 6,643
- Median Income
- $86,674
- Home Value
- $857,900
- Median Rent
- $1,180/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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