North Adams, MA vs Spencer, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. North Adams is 22.6% cheaper than Spencer. With a cost index of 71 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from North Adams to Spencer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in North Adams is $777/month compared to $1,052/month in Spencer — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: North Adams is more affordable at $185,300 median vs $297,700.

Median household income in North Adams is $48,521 compared to $59,618 in Spencer (-18.6%). The higher salaries in Spencer partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of North Adams spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, less than the 21.2% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.9°F vs 48.1°F). Spencer receives more rainfall at 48.3" per year compared to 42.3" in North Adams.