Cost of Living in East Harwich, MA

With a cost of living index of 152, East Harwich, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 52% more expensive than the national average and 23% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. East Harwich is a smaller community of 5,670 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in East Harwich's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,213 (68% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $585,400 (92% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.4x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in East Harwich is $108,157, which is 44% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% 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 East Harwich. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.9°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 34°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches spread over roughly 155 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.