Cost of Living in Barnstable Town, MA

With a cost of living index of 136, Barnstable Town, MA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 36% more expensive than the national average and 7% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. With a population of 49,232, Barnstable 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 Barnstable Town's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,751 (33% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $559,200 (83% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.7x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Barnstable Town is $97,348, which is 30% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Barnstable Town. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.5°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 34°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.7 inches spread over roughly 134 days.

Everyday prices in the Barnstable Town, 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.