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 | 18.6 | 44.1 |
| 2 | Franklin County, MA | 14.8 | 46.2 |
| 3 | Hampden County, MA | 14.3 | 32.8 |
| 4 | Bristol County, MA | 9.9 | 45 |
| 5 | Hampshire County, MA | 8.5 | 49.4 |
| 6 | Worcester County, MA | 6.8 | 46.8 |
| 7 | Barnstable County, MA | 5.2 | 58 |
| 8 | Dukes County, MA | 5.2 | 61.3 |
| 9 | Plymouth County, MA | 2.8 | 48.7 |
| 10 | Essex County, MA | 2.6 | 48.3 |
| 11 | Suffolk County, MA | 1.1 | 43 |
| 12 | Middlesex County, MA | 0.8 | 50.7 |
| 13 | Norfolk County, MA | 0.8 | 51 |
| 14 | Nantucket County, MA | 0.5 | 55.7 |