Cost of Living in Falmouth, MA

Population 32,841 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

157
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Falmouth's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $580,000 for a typical home, 90% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $92,862 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Falmouth sits roughly 20 miles east of New Bedford — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 79% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 190
Rent 107

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

About the Cost of Living in Falmouth

The median home value in Falmouth is $580,000 — 90% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,406/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $92,862/year is 25% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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, Falmouth has a cost of living index of 157 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$580,000
90% above avg
Median Rent
$1,406/mo
7% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
34.4x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,739
1 BR
$1,788
2 BR
$2,346
3 BR
$2,879
4 BR
$3,308
Owner-occupied 82.7%
Renter-occupied 17.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,406
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,020/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
25.4 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.3%
Carpooled
7.7%
Public transit
1.5%
Walked
2.2%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
17.8%

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
$92,862
25% above avg
Per Capita Income
$62,449
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
Labor Force Participation
49.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.9%
Graduate degree 25.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 56.8
Male median age 55.6
Female median age 57.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.6°F
Avg Low
40.2°F
Annual Precip
45.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394147576776838174645444
Low °F 212228364655626052423326
Precip" 3.723.044.824.013.293.613.043.833.644.564.264.12

💨 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 Falmouth, MA?

Falmouth has a cost index of 157 (100 = national average). It is 57% above the national average.

What is average rent in Falmouth, MA?

The median gross rent in Falmouth is $1,406 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Falmouth?

The median home value in Falmouth is $580,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Falmouth?

The median household income in Falmouth is $92,862 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Falmouth, MA?

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

Is Falmouth, MA affordable?

Falmouth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 157 — about 57% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Falmouth?

Falmouth 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.

Falmouth at a Glance

Population
32,841
Median Income
$92,862
Home Value
$580,000
Median Rent
$1,406/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Avg High Temp
60.6°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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