Cost of Living in North Adams, MA
Population 12,660 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
North Adams is a smaller Massachusetts community of around 13000 residents, where median household incomes of $48,521 and housing costs ($185,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 35 miles east of Albany, North Adams falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in North Adams
The median home value in North Adams is $185,300 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $777/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,521/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 57.6°F and lows of 36.3°F. Overall, North Adams has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less 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 | 32 | 35 | 44 | 57 | 69 | 76 | 81 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 14 | 16 | 24 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 58 | 56 | 49 | 38 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.52 | 1.97 | 3.08 | 3.12 | 3.73 | 4.41 | 4.13 | 4.47 | 4.22 | 4.28 | 3.25 | 3.12 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in North Adams, MA?
North Adams has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in North Adams, MA?
The median gross rent in North Adams is $777 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in North Adams?
The median home value in North Adams is $185,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in North Adams?
The median household income in North Adams is $48,521 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in North Adams, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Adams is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is North Adams, MA affordable?
Yes, North Adams is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in North Adams?
North Adams has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 36.3°F. Annual precipitation is 42.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
North Adams at a Glance
- Population
- 12,660
- Median Income
- $48,521
- Home Value
- $185,300
- Median Rent
- $777/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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