Cost of Living in Provincetown, MA

With a cost of living index of 142, Provincetown, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 42% more expensive than the national average and 13% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. Provincetown is a small community of 3,466 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Provincetown's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,331 (1% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $786,900 (158% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.4x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Provincetown is $123,456, which is 64% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% 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 more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Provincetown. 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.