Cost of Living in East Harwich, MA

Population 5,670 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

183
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in East Harwich run well above the national baseline, with a median of $585,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $108,157 place the city among the better-paid Massachusetts metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.

East Harwich is about 45 miles east of New Bedford, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 80% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 192
Rent 168

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in East Harwich

The median home value in East Harwich is $585,400 — 92% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,213/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $108,157/year is 45% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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 57.7°F and lows of 44.1°F. Overall, East Harwich has a cost of living index of 183 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 83% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$585,400
92% above avg
Median Rent
$2,213/mo
68% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,405
4 BR
$2,811
Owner-occupied 89.3%
Renter-occupied 10.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,213
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,827/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.5 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.5%
Carpooled
2.0%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
10.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.3%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$108,157
45% above avg
Per Capita Income
$58,028
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
49% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.8%
Labor Force Participation
63.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.3%
Graduate degree 20.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 60.1
Male median age 57.5
Female median age 60.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.7°F
Avg Low
44.1°F
Annual Precip
45.2"
20° 35° 50° 65° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394044526272797871615244
Low °F 262631394857646458473931
Precip" 3.753.614.434.013.342.952.793.033.584.234.475.00

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 37 — Good
92.5%
Good air days/yr
140
Max AQI recorded
22
PM2.5 days
336
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Harwich, MA?

East Harwich has a cost index of 183 (100 = national average). It is 83% above the national average.

What is average rent in East Harwich, MA?

The median gross rent in East Harwich is $2,213 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Harwich?

The median home value in East Harwich is $585,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in East Harwich?

The median household income in East Harwich is $108,157 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Harwich, MA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in East Harwich is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.

Is East Harwich, MA affordable?

East Harwich is above average in cost of living, with an index of 183 — about 83% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in East Harwich?

East Harwich 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.

East Harwich at a Glance

Population
5,670
Median Income
$108,157
Home Value
$585,400
Median Rent
$2,213/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Avg High Temp
57.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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