| Index | Barnstable Town | Massachusetts | National |
| Cost of living | 139 | 131 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 109 | 100 |
| Health care | 113 | 116 | 100 |
| Housing | 201 | 169 | 100 |
| Transportation | 115 | 115 | 100 |
| Utilities | 115 | 117 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 116 | 115 | 100 |
| Household Items | 106 | 109 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 119 | 127 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Barnstable Town? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Barnstable Town stands at 139, making it 39% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Barnstable Town is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Barnstable Town falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Barnstable Town, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 100.9% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.
Is Barnstable Town affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Barnstable Town, the median home price is 121% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 54% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Barnstable Town boasting a median household income of $116,208, 42.9% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Barnstable Town, the transportation index stands at 14.5% higher than the national average.
Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Barnstable Town, the groceries index is 5.3% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
The cost of living data for Barnstable Town shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $142,194 | $11,850 | $3,318 | $4,266 |
| Renters | $74,752 | $6,229 | $1,744 | $2,243 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 6.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Massachusetts | 5% | 9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Popponesset Island, MA | 36 | 112 | 12.1% |
| Seconsett Island, MA | 38 | 112 | 12.1% |
| Popponesset, MA | 209 | 112 | 12.1% |
| West Yarmouth, MA | 6,612 | 129 | 29.1% |
| Dennis Port, MA | 3,647 | 130 | 29.5% |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 45,771 | 139 | 38.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Cleveland Heights, OH | 45,821 | 92 | 8.1% |
| Ashburn, VA | 45,717 | 149 | 49.3% |
| Whitney, NV | 45,877 | 107 | 7.3% |
| Morgan Hill, CA | 45,880 | 200 | 100.5% |
| Wake Forest, NC | 45,648 | 116 | 16.5% |
| Barnstable Town, MA | 45,771 | 139 | 38.7% |
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