If you're looking to retire, one place you might want to consider is The Bay State. Being where the Mayflower landed, Massachusetts can also be where you set your anchor as you enjoy your golden years. There's a lot to do, including enjoying the bay and the humid climate. Massachusetts is a place with a lot to do, but the cost of living can be higher than you might expect. See below as we break down the cost of living. This way, you can determine if moving to Massachusetts is within your budget or if you should look to another state.
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If you want to move to Massachusetts, it will cost you. The cost of living is over 31 points higher than the national average, and every expense is also higher. The biggest challenge for living in Massachusetts is the housing, which costs nearly 80 points more than the average, with a median home costing almost $100k more. If you're looking to retire, you must have the money to do so. While there are affordable home options, they are less frequent than in the rest of the country. Keep that in mind when you're considering where to move.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
Browse by city
Hand-picked from our directory
Caregivers who come to you
Brant Rock, MA
4.6 · 186 reviews
Newton, MA
4.5 · 125 reviews
Westborough, MA
4.8 · 101 reviews
Norwood, MA
4.4 · 84 reviews
Newton Upper Falls, MA
4.7 · 73 reviews
Pittsfield, MA
4.5 · 67 reviews
Local pricing
Median monthly cost of assisted living, sourced from public data. Actual community pricing varies by apartment size, level of care, and amenities.
| City | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Abington | $6,113.00 |
| Accord | $6,010.00 |
| Acton | $6,010.00 |
| Acushnet | $6,010.00 |
| Adams | $6,010.00 |
| Agawam | $5,955.00 |
| Allston | $5,928.00 |
| Amesbury | $5,272.00 |
| Amherst | $4,999.00 |
| Andover | $4,917.00 |
| Arlington | $4,917.00 |
| Arlington Heights | $4,887.00 |
| Ashburnham | $4,753.00 |
| Ashby | $4,521.00 |
| Ashfield | $4,370.00 |
| Ashland | $4,261.00 |
| Ashley Falls | $4,020.00 |
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