Cost of Living in Fairhaven, MA
Population 15,878 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fairhaven is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $92,500 and housing costs ($407,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located <5 miles southeast of New Bedford, Fairhaven falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 26% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fairhaven
The median home value in Fairhaven is $407,300 — 34% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,071/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,500/year is 24% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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 60.6°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Fairhaven has a cost of living index of 113 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% 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 Fairhaven, MA?
Fairhaven has a cost index of 113 (100 = national average). It is 13% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fairhaven, MA?
The median gross rent in Fairhaven is $1,071 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fairhaven?
The median home value in Fairhaven is $407,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fairhaven?
The median household income in Fairhaven is $92,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fairhaven, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fairhaven is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Fairhaven, MA affordable?
Fairhaven is above average in cost of living, with an index of 113 — about 13% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fairhaven?
Fairhaven 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.
Fairhaven at a Glance
- Population
- 15,878
- Median Income
- $92,500
- Home Value
- $407,300
- Median Rent
- $1,071/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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