Cost of Living · Massachusetts
Most Affordable Counties in Massachusetts 2026
Ranked by housing affordability including median rent and home values.
Top 10 — Cost of Living in Massachusetts
Score reflects cost of living only — not overall county quality.
All Massachusetts Counties — Cost of Living Rankings
14 counties ranked by cost of living score. Overall Score shown for context.
| # | County | Cost of Living Score | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkshire County, MA | 18.1 | 44 |
| 2 | Franklin County, MA | 15.9 | 46.6 |
| 3 | Hampden County, MA | 14.7 | 32.9 |
| 4 | Bristol County, MA | 9.8 | 45 |
| 5 | Hampshire County, MA | 8.9 | 49.2 |
| 6 | Dukes County, MA | 7.6 | 61.6 |
| 7 | Worcester County, MA | 6.6 | 46.8 |
| 8 | Barnstable County, MA | 5.4 | 58.2 |
| 9 | Plymouth County, MA | 2.7 | 48.8 |
| 10 | Essex County, MA | 2.5 | 48.2 |
| 11 | Suffolk County, MA | 1.1 | 42.7 |
| 12 | Norfolk County, MA | 0.9 | 51 |
| 13 | Middlesex County, MA | 0.8 | 50.6 |
| 14 | Nantucket County, MA | 0.3 | 55.7 |