Northampton, MA

Above Avg · 110

Massachusetts · Population 28,640 · Updated March 2026

$1,404
Median Rent / Month
$78,467
Median Income
$398,000
Median Home Value
$1,509
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Northampton

21.5%
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

$16,848
Annual Rent
$7,062
State Income Tax
$4,577
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Northampton is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 110 (where 100 equals the national median), Northampton residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,404/month while earning a median household income of $78,467/year.

The median home value in Northampton, MA is $398,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,509 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% 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 Northampton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Northampton

What is the cost of living in Northampton, MA?
The cost of living index in Northampton, MA is 110 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,404, median household income is $78,467/year, and the median home value is $398,000.
Is Northampton, MA affordable?
No, Northampton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 110. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Northampton, MA?
The median gross rent in Northampton, MA is $1,404 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,848.
What is the median household income in Northampton?
The median household income in Northampton, MA is $78,467 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%.