The population of Massachusetts is one of the most diverse in the country, with residents hailing from all over the world and speaking many different languages, as well as being of many different races and ethnicities.
The cost of living in Massachusetts can vary greatly depending on where you live; some areas are more expensive than others, while some are cheaper.
If you’re considering moving to Massachusetts but want to know where you can find affordable housing, we’ve put together a list of some of the cheapest places to live in this state.
These cities have lower average incomes as well as lower costs for housing and other expenses like food and utilities, making it easier for residents to stretch their dollars further than most places around the country.
Related: The 10 Wealthiest Towns in Massachusetts
10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Massachusetts
Massachusetts may be known as the cradle of liberty or the blue state, but it’s also home to one of the most expensive cities in the country.
So what are the best places to live in Massachusetts?
The answer depends on your priorities, but if you’re looking for an affordable place to settle down, these 10 Massachusetts towns might just be your next home.
1. Palmer Town
Palmer Town is one of the cheapest places in Massachusetts. It’s a small town with a population of only 12,236 (2020) people.
It’s located in Hampden County and is part of the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The average listing price in Palmer Town is $249.9K. This makes it one of the most affordable places to live in Massachusetts.
Palmer Town is also an excellent place for families and retirees.
The crime rate here is extremely low, and so are taxes!
And if you’re looking for an affordable place to live, Palmer Town might be just what you’re looking for!
Palmer Town residents have access to a number of public facilities including parks and recreation centers, golf courses, and country clubs as well as a library branch and senior center with programs such as yoga classes, crafts classes, and card games for seniors.
2. North Adams
North Adams is one of the cheapest places in Massachusetts.
It has a price-adjusted median household income of $49,123 and a lower cost of living than the state average.
The city is also home to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, which offers associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees to students.
North Adams has a population of roughly 12,897 (2020) people and an unemployment rate of 8.9% percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
It is also one of the most racially diverse cities in Massachusetts: 42 percent white, 21 percent Hispanic or Latino, 20 percent black or African American, and 11 percent Asian or Pacific Islander.
Its economy is now dominated by education and tourism.
The city contains the largest municipal golf course in Massachusetts and has been home to several institutions of higher learning over the years.
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Towns in Massachusetts
3. Pittsfield
The city of Pittsfield, which sits in the northwest corner of the state, ranks as one of the least expensive cities in Massachusetts.
In terms of affordability, Pittsfield is one of the least expensive places to live in the state.
Pittsfield has a median home value of $254,025 and a median rent price of $864 per month, which makes it significantly less expensive than most other places in Massachusetts.
Its unemployment rate has been below 6.6% for more than a year and it has one of the lowest poverty rates in Massachusetts at 12.6%.
Pittsfield also has an excellent school system: It boasts a graduation rate above 90%, which is higher than all but one other town on our list.
4. Agawam Town
If you’re looking for affordable housing in Massachusetts, you might want to consider moving to Agawam.
The town is one of the least expensive places in the state, with a median home value of $308,807 and an average rent of $1,337 per month.
Agawam Town has an unemployment rate of 6.7% which is higher than the current national average of 3.6%.
In Agawam Town, you can get a high-paying job if you have a college degree or trade certification and work hard to get a promotion or raise.
You will find that there are many available jobs in Agawam Town as long as you are willing to relocate and have the right qualifications and experience required by employers who are conducting hiring activities at this time.
Related: The 20 Most Expensive Cities to Live in California
5. Westfield
Westfield is one of the cheapest places in Massachusetts. It has a low cost of living compared to the national average and even lower than other cities in the state.
The average price of a home in Westfield is $417,542, which is much less than the state average of $529,000.
The median household income in Westfield is $67,862, which is also lower than the state average of $86,725.
The cost of living in Westfield is 24 cheaper than it is across Massachusetts and 10% less expensive than it is across the country as a whole.
In comparison to other cities around Massachusetts, Westfield has a much lower cost of living.
Related: The 20 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the United States
6. New Bedford
New Bedford is the cheapest city in Massachusetts, with a median home value of $364,427 and an unemployment rate of 7.7%.
The city has benefited from its proximity to Providence, RI, which has helped spur growth in the area.
New Bedford also has some large employers that help contribute to the local economy such as Southcoast Hospitals Group and Gillette Company.
The city is also known for its fishing industry, which employs many residents in various capacities.
It is the largest city in the South Coast region of Massachusetts.
It’s an old port town that has an interesting history, and it’s also home to one of the most famous fishing fleets in the world.
There are plenty of things to do there, including a visit to the Whaling Museum or taking a cruise around the harbor.
7. Gardner
Gardner is one of the most affordable places in Massachusetts. The median annual household income is just over $51,708, which is nearly $20,000 less than the state average.
There are also plenty of well-paying jobs in Gardner; over 25% of residents work in managerial positions or as professionals.
Gardner has a lot to offer its residents. They can enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Gardner Street Festival, which features food vendors and live entertainment.
Gardners’ parks are also well maintained and provide plenty of opportunities for recreation and exercise.
The city’s largest park is Liberty Park, which offers baseball fields and soccer fields for kids and adults alike.
The city’s location makes it easy to get around without driving. It’s just 30 miles north of Boston and has access to public transportation options like buses and trains.
Related: Why Are Houses so Expensive in Arizona?
8. Chicopee
If you’re looking for a place in Massachusetts where you can live on a budget, you may want to consider Chicopee.
The city’s cost of living is below the national average, while its median household income is significantly higher than the state average.
In addition to affordable housing, Chicopee has also been recognized as one of the safest cities in Massachusetts.
In fact, it ranks among the safest cities in Massachusetts. Chicopee is also one of the cheaper places in all of New England when it comes to renting an apartment or finding a home for sale.
The median rent price is just $1,307 per month, while the median sales price for a home is just $269.9K — about half of what you’d expect to pay if you live in Boston or Cambridge.
The city also has excellent public transportation options and easy access to highways like I-84 and I-91.
9. East Hampton
The town of East Hampton is one of the most affordable places in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $352,092. Its residents also earn the second-highest average salary after Bostonians.
East Hampton has a population of about 15,514 people and offers a small-town feel close to bigger cities like Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.
It’s also close to Cape Cod and Nantucket, which are popular summer destinations. The town is home to several beaches and hosts its own annual Sand Castle Competition every year.
It’s also known for its fishing industry — there are two fishing piers located right off the shoreline.
10. Fitchburg
Fitchburg is one of the most affordable places in Massachusetts thanks to its low housing costs, especially compared to Boston or Cambridge where rents are much higher.
The average rent in Fitchburg is just $1,374 per month, which is significantly less than the $1,463 average rent for the rest of the state.
And although wages here aren’t as high as in other cities on this list either, there are still plenty of jobs available at businesses like Barnes & Noble Booksellers Inc., Health New England Inc., and TJX Companies Inc.