Cost of Living in Pittsfield, MA is
13.4% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Pittsfield, MA increase in 2024? Pittsfield, MA area prices were up 1.6% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Pittsfield, Massachusetts    Pittsfield is located at 42°27′N 73°15′W / 42.450°N 73.250°W / 42.450; -73.250 (42.4522, -73.2515). According to the United States Census Bureau, t....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Massachusetts's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $15 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Pittsfield, MA

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Pittsfield, MA by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 28.3%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-11.9%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
+ 29.0%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
-5.2%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
-8.4%

Cost of Living Comparison with Pittsfield, MA

If you move to Pittsfield from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
-73.1%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
-31.7%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
-1.9%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 1.0%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
-39.7%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
-63.6%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToPittsfield, MA Cost Of Living Comparision
+ 6.4%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Pittsfield, MA

Pittsfield is located at 42°27′N 73°15′W / 42.450°N 73.250°W / 42.450; -73.250 (42.4522, -73.2515). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 42.5 square miles (110.0 km2), of which 40.5 square miles (104.8 km2) is land and 2.0 square miles (5.2 km2), or 4.70%, is water. Pittsfield is bordered by Lanesborough to the north, Dalton to the east, Washington to the southeast, Lenox to the south, Richmond to the southwest, and Hancock to the west. Pittsfield is located 48 miles (77 km) northwest of Springfield, 135 miles (217 km) west of Boston, and 39 miles (63 k...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Pittsfield, MA

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like Market Basket are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Pittsfield, MA?

Pittsfield, MA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Are there any good ways to save money on Cable TV and internet service in Pittsfield, MA?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I am moving with children, what should I do to make the move less stressful for them and myself?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Pittsfield, Massachusetts compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Pittsfield,MA are currently the fourth highest when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Massachusetts has gone up about 13.73%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I have a child, how much will child care cost per month in Pittsfield, Massachusetts ?

It is difficult to exactly predict the cost of child care in any city, which for parents, is a large part of the cost of living. There are different arrangements and lengths of time that are needed to care for a child, and costs may vary a lot depending on the services provided. Based on the state average, for Pittsfield child care for a child up to 3 years could cost $17062 per year. Massachusetts, is ranked NO. 2 in annual cost of child care in the U.S. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

How do rental housing prices in Pittsfield,Massachusetts impact the overall cost of living?

I am single and live in Pittsfield,MA, I rent a small studio and the monthly rent is $675 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Pittsfield,MA, I try to economize by having a small apartment. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Pittsfield, Massachusetts that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Pittsfield, Massachusetts where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Pittsfield, MA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Pittsfield, Massachusetts?

The sales tax for Pittsfield is 6.25%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-02-26 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-02-26