Cost of Living in Woods Hole, MA

With a cost of living index of 145, Woods Hole, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 45% more expensive than the national average and 16% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. Woods Hole is a small community of 999 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Woods Hole's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,180 (11% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $876,700 (188% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 12.1x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Woods Hole is $72,386, which is 4% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

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.