Bellingham, MA vs North Adams, MA

The cost of living difference between Bellingham, MA and North Adams, MA is dramatic. North Adams is 82.9% cheaper than Bellingham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bellingham has a cost index of 131 while North Adams sits at 71, 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 Bellingham is $1,995/month compared to $777/month in North Adams — a 157% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: North Adams is more affordable at $185,300 median vs $385,300.

Median household income in Bellingham is $88,731 compared to $48,521 in North Adams (+82.9%). The higher salaries in Bellingham partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellingham spend roughly 27% of their income on rent, more than the 19.2% in North Adams.

Climate-wise, Bellingham is notably warmer with an average of 52°F compared to 46.9°F in North Adams. Bellingham receives more rainfall at 43.9" per year compared to 42.3" in North Adams.