Cost of Living in West Falmouth, MA

With a cost of living index of 151, West Falmouth, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 51% more expensive than the national average and 21% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. West Falmouth is a small community of 1,655 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in West Falmouth's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,756 (33% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $734,000 (141% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in West Falmouth is $115,735, which is 54% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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 West Falmouth. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.2°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 33°F. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches spread over roughly 137 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.