Cost of Living in Pittsfield, MA
Population 43,559 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Pittsfield lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $234,000 — 23% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Massachusetts. At 7.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Pittsfield is about 30 miles east of Albany, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Albany's $223,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pittsfield
The median home value in Pittsfield is $233,700 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,094/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,386/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, 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 55.8°F and lows of 36.3°F. Overall, Pittsfield has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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 | 30 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 75 | 79 | 78 | 70 | 58 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 14 | 15 | 23 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 58 | 57 | 49 | 39 | 29 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.67 | 2.52 | 3.08 | 3.38 | 3.79 | 4.58 | 4.18 | 3.82 | 4.50 | 4.56 | 3.52 | 3.63 |
💨 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 Pittsfield, MA?
Pittsfield has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pittsfield, MA?
The median gross rent in Pittsfield is $1,094 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pittsfield?
The median home value in Pittsfield is $233,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pittsfield?
The median household income in Pittsfield is $68,386 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pittsfield, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pittsfield is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Pittsfield, MA affordable?
Yes, Pittsfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pittsfield?
Pittsfield has average high temperatures of 55.8°F and average lows of 36.3°F. Annual precipitation is 44.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pittsfield at a Glance
- Population
- 43,559
- Median Income
- $68,386
- Home Value
- $233,700
- Median Rent
- $1,094/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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