Cost of Living in South Yarmouth, MA

Population 11,642 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023

142
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

South Yarmouth skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 55. Reported household income of $79,638 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 40 miles east of New Bedford, South Yarmouth falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than New Bedford's $324,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 152
Rent 127

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

About the Cost of Living in South Yarmouth

The median home value in South Yarmouth is $465,100 — 52% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,665/month, 27% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,638/year is 7% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, 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%. Overall, South Yarmouth has a cost of living index of 142 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$465,100
52% above avg
Median Rent
$1,665/mo
27% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
23.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,429
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,963
3 BR
$2,405
4 BR
$2,811
Owner-occupied 77.8%
Renter-occupied 22.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,665
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,279/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
25.2 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.6%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
2.6%
Walked
0.2%
Bicycle
1.5%
Work from home
4.6%

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
$79,638
7% above avg
Per Capita Income
$50,085
Unemployment Rate
7.5%
57% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Labor Force Participation
60.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.6%
Graduate degree 13.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 55
Male median age 50.9
Female median age 57.6

💨 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

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
10.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
2,912
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Yarmouth, MA?

South Yarmouth has a cost index of 142 (100 = national average). It is 42% above the national average.

What is average rent in South Yarmouth, MA?

The median gross rent in South Yarmouth is $1,665 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Yarmouth?

The median home value in South Yarmouth is $465,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in South Yarmouth?

The median household income in South Yarmouth is $79,638 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Yarmouth, MA?

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

Is South Yarmouth, MA affordable?

South Yarmouth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 142 — about 42% higher than the national average.

South Yarmouth at a Glance

Population
11,642
Median Income
$79,638
Home Value
$465,100
Median Rent
$1,665/mo
Unemployment
7.5%
Sales Tax
6.3%
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🗺️ County data for Massachusetts

Explore county-level cost of living data

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