Cost of Living in Barre, MA

With a cost of living index of 120, Barre, MA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 20% more expensive than the national average and 10% below the Massachusetts state average of 129. Barre is a small community of 550 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Barre's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,906 (45% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $313,100 (3% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Barre is $55,625, which is 26% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 41% of household income on rent. This is well above the 30% affordability threshold, indicating a significant housing cost burden for many residents.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Barre. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.3°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 42.2 inches spread over roughly 146 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Worcester, 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.