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Bellingham, MA vs Palmer Town, MA

131
Bellingham
Massachusetts
VS
+50.6%
87
Palmer Town
Massachusetts

The cost of living difference between Bellingham, MA and Palmer Town, MA is dramatic. Palmer Town is 50.6% cheaper than Bellingham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bellingham has a cost index of 131 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 Bellingham is $1,995/month compared to $1,041/month in Palmer Town — a 92% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Palmer Town is more affordable at $255,000 median vs $385,300.

Median household income in Bellingham is $88,731 compared to $78,789 in Palmer Town (+12.6%). Bellingham does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellingham spend roughly 27% of their income on rent, more than the 15.9% in Palmer Town.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52°F vs 49.4°F). Palmer Town receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 43.9" in Bellingham.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Bellingham
131
Palmer Town
87
34% cheaper
Median Household Income
Bellingham
$88,731
11% higher
Palmer Town
$78,789

Housing

Median Rent
Bellingham
$1,995
Palmer Town
$1,041
48% cheaper
Median Home Value
Bellingham
$385,300
Palmer Town
$255,000
34% cheaper
Population
Bellingham
4,939
Palmer Town
12,372

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Bellingham $3.09
Palmer Town $3.03
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Bellingham $2.52
Palmer Town $2.47
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Bellingham $4.06
Palmer Town $3.98
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Bellingham $1.87
Palmer Town $1.83
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Bellingham $4.18
Palmer Town $4.09
US $4.14
Electricity
Bellingham $0.33
Palmer Town $0.29
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Bellingham 52°F
Palmer Town 49.4°F
Summer High
Bellingham 86°F
Palmer Town 85°F
Winter Low
Bellingham 21°F
Palmer Town 16°F
Rainfall
Bellingham 43.9"
Palmer Town 45.2"
Rainy Days
Bellingham 135d
Palmer Town 137d