Cost of Living in Amherst Town, MA

With a cost of living index of 121, Amherst Town, MA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 21% more expensive than the national average and 8% below the Massachusetts state average of 129. With a population of 35,472, Amherst Town is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Amherst Town's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,570 (19% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $454,000 (49% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.9x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Amherst Town is $65,938, which is 12% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 29% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Amherst Town. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.4°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches spread over roughly 137 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.