D+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Fall River Massachusetts National
Cost of living119131100
Groceries107109100
Health care120116100
Housing127169100
Transportation115115100
Utilities118117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment116115100
Household Items109109100
Education & Childcare134127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fall River, MA

The cost of living in Fall River affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Fall River is 119, which is 19% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs significantly influence the Fall River cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 26.9%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Fall River Affordable?

Wondering if Fall River is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Fall River, for example, the median home price is 44.3% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fall River boasting a median household income of $69,372, which is 14.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fall River?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Fall River, the utilities index registers at 18.1% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Fall River, the transportation index is 15% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fall River cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fall River is 9% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in Fall River is 19% higher than the national average
  • Fall River housing is 27% 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 Fall River

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Compare Fall River, 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$109,797$9,150$2,562$3,294
      Renters$49,346$4,112$1,151$1,481
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Fall River is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Fall River has a median income of about $109,797 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,562 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $49,346. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,151 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Central Falls, RI20,1751033.0%
      Pawtucket, RI74,3111087.7%
      New Bedford, MA97,31511616.5%
      Providence, RI185,5541099.0%
      East Providence, RI48,8491088.4%
      Fall River, MA91,43711919.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Nashua, NH91,47111616.5%
      Maple Ridge, BC91,475n/a 
      Norwalk, CT91,48514242.4%
      Mount Pleasant, SC91,52714040.4%
      Chino, CA91,54015454.2%
      Fall River, MA91,43711919.1%
      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.