C+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Chicopee Massachusetts National
Cost of living111131100
Groceries110109100
Health care114116100
Housing103169100
Transportation113115100
Utilities120117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment119115100
Household Items111109100
Education & Childcare124127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Chicopee, MA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Chicopee 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 Chicopee is 111, which is 11% 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.

Household expenses account for 8% of the cost of living index and include the products people rely on every week, from toiletries and detergent to clothing and kitchen essentials. In Chicopee, household essentials are 11.3% more expensive than the U.S. average, which can leave less room in your monthly budget.

The cost of groceries continues to rise at an alarming rate. Over the last two years, grocery prices have increased by more than 10%! Unfortunately, in Chicopee, the news isn't any better as grocery prices are 10.2% higher than the national average.

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

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 7 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Chicopee. The results indicated that 71% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 29% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Chicopee Affordable?

Is Chicopee 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 Chicopee, the median home price is 5.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 2.4% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Chicopee boasting a median household income of $79,697, 2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chicopee?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Chicopee, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 5%.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Chicopee comes in at 19.8% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Chicopee, the housing index is 3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Chicopee cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chicopee is 15% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Chicopee is 11% higher than the national average
  • Chicopee housing is 3% higher 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 Chicopee

See all the best places to live around Chicopee

Compare Chicopee, MA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$102,216$8,518$2,385$3,067
      Renters$49,458$4,122$1,154$1,484
      The affordability of the housing market in Chicopee, MA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Chicopee homeowners, the median income is $102,216. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,385 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $49,458. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,154 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Springfield, MA156,85811010.1%
      Huntington, MA6981099.4%
      Russell, MA67811110.8%
      Holyoke, MA41,43911110.8%
      Hazardville, CT6,37011413.8%
      Chicopee, MA56,65811111.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Berwyn, IL56,6421066.5%
      Burlington, NC56,679927.5%
      Cathedral City, CA56,62512828.5%
      Highland, CA56,60613131.3%
      Hacienda Heights, CA56,60317271.7%
      Chicopee, MA56,65811111.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.