Bellingham, MA vs Rutland, MA

The cost of living difference between Bellingham, MA and Rutland, MA is dramatic. Rutland is 31% cheaper than Bellingham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bellingham has a cost index of 131 while Rutland sits at 100, 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 $1,134/month in Rutland — a 76% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rutland is more affordable at $357,700 median vs $385,300.

Median household income in Bellingham is $88,731 compared to $102,885 in Rutland (-13.8%). Rutland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellingham spend roughly 27% of their income on rent, more than the 13.2% in Rutland.

Climate-wise, Bellingham is notably warmer with an average of 52°F compared to 48.1°F in Rutland. Rutland receives more rainfall at 48.3" per year compared to 43.9" in Bellingham.