Cost of Living in South Amherst, MA

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F
29%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
65%
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 South Amherst Massachusetts National
Cost of living129131100
Groceries108109100
Health care114116100
Housing165169100
Transportation116115100
Utilities117117100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110115100
Household Items107109100
Education & Childcare127127100
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Homes For Sale In South Amherst, MA

property for sale

170 E Hadley Rd #52

Amherst, MA
property for sale

365 Middle St

Amherst, MA
property for sale

20 Station Rd

Amherst, MA
property for sale

390 Shays St

Amherst, MA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in South Amherst is 1% lower than the Massachusetts average
  • The cost of living in South Amherst is 29% higher than the national average
  • South Amherst housing is 65% 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 South Amherst

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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
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$154,408$12,867$3,603$4,633
      Renters$32,197$2,683$751$966
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in South Amherst, MA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In South Amherst, the median monthly income is $154,408 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,603 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $32,197, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $751 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Ware, MA6,14711010.3%
      Chicopee, MA56,65811111.4%
      Holyoke, MA41,43911110.8%
      Palmer Town, MA12,66211515.0%
      Granby, MA1,22111514.9%
      South Amherst, MA5,42012929.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ripley, MS5,4218515.1%
      Offutt AFB, NE5,4211109.9%
      Kings Point, NY5,418417316.7%
      Midway, UT5,41815756.5%
      Willow Creek No. 26, AB5,418n/a 
      South Amherst, MA5,42012929.0%
      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.
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