Cost of Living in Dartmouth, MA
Population 32,621 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dartmouth lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $471,000 — 54% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Massachusetts.
Dartmouth sits roughly 7 miles south of New Bedford — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 45% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dartmouth
The median home value in Dartmouth is $470,500 — 54% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,374/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,662/year is 32% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below 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 60.6°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Dartmouth has a cost of living index of 134 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 41 | 47 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 64 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 28 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.72 | 3.04 | 4.82 | 4.01 | 3.29 | 3.61 | 3.04 | 3.83 | 3.64 | 4.56 | 4.26 | 4.12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dartmouth, MA?
Dartmouth has a cost index of 134 (100 = national average). It is 34% above the national average.
What is average rent in Dartmouth, MA?
The median gross rent in Dartmouth is $1,374 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dartmouth?
The median home value in Dartmouth is $470,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Dartmouth?
The median household income in Dartmouth is $98,662 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dartmouth, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dartmouth is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Dartmouth, MA affordable?
Dartmouth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 134 — about 34% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Dartmouth?
Dartmouth has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 45.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Dartmouth at a Glance
- Population
- 32,621
- Median Income
- $98,662
- Home Value
- $470,500
- Median Rent
- $1,374/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs