Marshfield, MA vs Shelburne Falls, MA

The cost of living difference between Marshfield, MA and Shelburne Falls, MA is dramatic. Shelburne Falls is 42.7% cheaper than Marshfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Marshfield has a cost index of 134 while Shelburne Falls sits at 94, 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 Marshfield is $1,398/month compared to $1,069/month in Shelburne Falls — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shelburne Falls is more affordable at $296,000 median vs $646,400.

Median household income in Marshfield is $99,537 compared to $52,604 in Shelburne Falls (+89.2%). While Marshfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Marshfield spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, less than the 24.4% in Shelburne Falls.

Climate-wise, Marshfield is notably warmer with an average of 50°F compared to 46.9°F in Shelburne Falls. Marshfield receives more rainfall at 48" per year compared to 42.3" in Shelburne Falls.