Amherst Town, MA vs Palmer Town, MA

The cost of living difference between Amherst Town, MA and Palmer Town, MA is dramatic. Palmer Town is 39.2% cheaper than Amherst Town, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Amherst Town has a cost index of 121 while Palmer Town sits at 87, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Amherst Town is $1,570/month compared to $1,041/month in Palmer Town — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Palmer Town is more affordable at $255,000 median vs $454,000.

Median household income in Amherst Town is $65,938 compared to $78,789 in Palmer Town (-16.3%). Palmer Town offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Amherst Town spend roughly 28.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in Palmer Town.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 49.4°F). Palmer Town receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 45.2" in Amherst Town.