Cost of Living in Harwich, MA

Population 13,506 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

171
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Harwich's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $588,000 for a typical home, 93% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $87,948 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Geographically, Harwich is about 45 miles east of New Bedford, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 81% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 193
Rent 139

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

About the Cost of Living in Harwich

The median home value in Harwich is $588,100 — 93% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,830/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $87,948/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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, Harwich has a cost of living index of 171 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 71% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$588,100
93% above avg
Median Rent
$1,830/mo
39% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.8x
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 84.3%
Renter-occupied 15.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,830
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,444/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
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.6%
Carpooled
4.1%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
17.2%

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
$87,948
18% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,410
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
Labor Force Participation
51.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.1%
Graduate degree 23.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 58.8
Male median age 55.1
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Harwich, MA?

Harwich has a cost index of 171 (100 = national average). It is 71% above the national average.

What is average rent in Harwich, MA?

The median gross rent in Harwich is $1,830 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Harwich?

The median home value in Harwich is $588,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Harwich?

The median household income in Harwich is $87,948 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Harwich, MA?

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

Is Harwich, MA affordable?

Harwich is above average in cost of living, with an index of 171 — about 71% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Harwich?

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.

Harwich at a Glance

Population
13,506
Median Income
$87,948
Home Value
$588,100
Median Rent
$1,830/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
57.7°F
Sales Tax
6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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