B
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
4%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Pittsfield Massachusetts National
Cost of living101133100
Goods & Services106122100
Groceries103105100
Health care93113100
Housing96165100
Transportation97118100
Utilities102134100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Pittsfield, MA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Pittsfield is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Pittsfield is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Pittsfield aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Pittsfield residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Pittsfield?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 10 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Pittsfield. The results indicated that 60% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 40% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Pittsfield Affordable?

Is Pittsfield an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Pittsfield, the median home price is 4.3% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 4.4% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Pittsfield come in at $56,620, which is 2.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Pittsfield?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Pittsfield, is 4.3% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Pittsfield, healthcare costs are 6.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Pittsfield cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Pittsfield is 24% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Pittsfield is 1% higher than the national average
  • Pittsfield housing is 4% lower than the national average
  • Massachusetts general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Massachusetts state income tax is 93% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Pittsfield

See all the best places to live around Pittsfield

Compare Pittsfield, MA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$75,284$6,274$1,757$2,259
      Renters$29,924$2,494$698$898
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Pittsfield, MA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Pittsfield have a median income of $75,284. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,757 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $29,924, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $698.

      Massachusetts Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Massachusetts 6.25% 6.25%

      Massachusetts Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Massachusetts 5% 9%

      Goods & Services

      Item Pittsfield National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.28$24.2616.6%
      Beauty Salon $51.36$45.5612.7%
      Toothpaste $3.74$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.28$1.280.3%
      Movie $13.08$12.137.8%
      Bowling $15.96$18.0011.3%

      Groceries

      Item Pittsfield National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.06$5.843.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.60$1.571.5%
      Milk $4.85$4.673.9%
      Potatoes $5.09$4.933.2%
      Pizza $14.69$12.0921.5%
      Beer $10.90$10.414.7%

      Health Care

      Item Pittsfield National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $132.47$125.685.4%
      Doctor $111.33$135.7818.0%
      Dentist $111.69$113.291.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.90$10.652.3%
      Lipitor $436.57$468.606.8%

      Housing

      Item Pittsfield National avg. Difference
      Home Price $176,800.00$184,700.004.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,531.65$2,346.697.9%
      Apartment Rent $907.00$949.004.4%

      Transportation

      Item Pittsfield National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.55$3.462.5%
      Tire Balancing $50.33$59.9216.0%

      Utilities

      Item Pittsfield National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $196.70$193.991.4%
      Phone $195.71$192.251.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cheshire, MA6838910.8%
      Adams, MA5,689963.6%
      East Nassau, NY457981.7%
      Chester, MA9351044.2%
      Averill Park, NY1,4661076.8%
      Pittsfield, MA42,5141010.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Woodbridge, VA42,51712726.8%
      Rohnert Park, CA42,55916262.3%
      Hicksville, NY42,46815453.6%
      Urbana, IL42,461936.6%
      Schertz, TX42,4331055.4%
      Pittsfield, MA42,5141010.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.