North Adams, MA vs Williamstown, MA

The cost of living difference between North Adams, MA and Williamstown, MA is dramatic. North Adams is 32.7% cheaper than Williamstown, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. North Adams has a cost index of 71 while Williamstown sits at 106, 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 North Adams is $777/month compared to $1,244/month in Williamstown — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: North Adams is more affordable at $185,300 median vs $436,900.

Median household income in North Adams is $48,521 compared to $82,917 in Williamstown (-41.5%). While Williamstown is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of North Adams spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18% in Williamstown.

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