Cost of Living in Northampton, MA
Population 28,640 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Northampton cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $398,000, rents near $1,404 a month.
Northampton sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Springfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 79% higher than Springfield's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Northampton
The median home value in Northampton is $398,000 — 30% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,404/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,467/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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%. Overall, Northampton has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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
💨 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 Northampton, MA?
Northampton has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.
What is average rent in Northampton, MA?
The median gross rent in Northampton is $1,404 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Northampton?
The median home value in Northampton is $398,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Northampton?
The median household income in Northampton is $78,467 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Northampton, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Northampton is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Northampton, MA affordable?
Northampton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.
Northampton at a Glance
- Population
- 28,640
- Median Income
- $78,467
- Home Value
- $398,000
- Median Rent
- $1,404/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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