Cost of Living in Great Barrington, MA

With a cost of living index of 105, Great Barrington, MA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 5% more expensive than the national average and 24% below the Massachusetts state average of 129. Great Barrington is a small community of 1,953 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Great Barrington's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,142 (13% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $459,000 (51% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Great Barrington is $57,071, which is 24% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Great Barrington. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46.1°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 25°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches spread over roughly 161 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Pittsfield, 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.