Barnstable, MA

Very High · 145

Massachusetts · Population 49,232 · Updated March 2026

$1,751
Median Rent / Month
$97,348
Median Income
$559,200
Median Home Value
$1,885
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Barnstable

21.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Massachusetts

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
1.15%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$21,012
Annual Rent
$8,761
State Income Tax
$6,431
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Barnstable has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 145 (where 100 equals the national median), Barnstable residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,751/month while earning a median household income of $97,348/year.

The median home value in Barnstable, MA is $559,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,885 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Massachusetts's top income tax rate of 9.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Barnstable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Barnstable

What is the cost of living in Barnstable, MA?
The cost of living index in Barnstable, MA is 145 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,751, median household income is $97,348/year, and the median home value is $559,200.
Is Barnstable, MA affordable?
No, Barnstable is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 145. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Barnstable, MA?
The median gross rent in Barnstable, MA is $1,751 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,012.
What is the median household income in Barnstable?
The median household income in Barnstable, MA is $97,348 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a top income tax rate of 9.0%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.15%.