Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Massachusetts? We ranked 28 Massachusetts cities by median home value. The cheapest is Springfield (~$303,000); the Massachusetts median is $617,000.
Most affordable cities in Massachusetts
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | $303,000 | $218 |
| 2 | Chicopee | $318,000 | $244 |
| 3 | Worcester | $422,000 | $286 |
| 4 | New Bedford | $438,500 | $330 |
| 5 | Fall River | $442,500 | $280 |
| 6 | Leicester | $462,000 | $301 |
| 7 | Lowell | $473,500 | $324 |
| 8 | Wareham | $479,000 | $390 |
| 9 | Lawrence | $486,000 | $336 |
| 10 | Northampton | $497,000 | $361 |
Most expensive cities in Massachusetts
The priciest Massachusetts markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chatham | $1,363,000 | $722 |
| 2 | Newton | $1,353,000 | $610 |
| 3 | Brookline | $1,182,000 | $792 |
| 4 | Cambridge | $1,066,000 | $917 |
| 5 | Falmouth | $1,055,500 | $613 |
| 6 | Somerville | $932,000 | $737 |
| 7 | Barnstable | $828,000 | $483 |
| 8 | Walpole | $801,000 | $428 |
| 9 | Waltham | $795,000 | $475 |
| 10 | Boston | $761,500 | $799 |
How we rank Massachusetts cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Massachusetts home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Massachusetts affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Massachusetts? +
Based on median home value, Springfield is among the most affordable cities in Massachusetts, with a typical home around $303,000 — well below the Massachusetts median of $617,000.
What is the most expensive city in Massachusetts? +
By median home value, Chatham is among the priciest in Massachusetts, with a typical home around $1,363,000.
Is Massachusetts an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Massachusetts is about $617,000 (113% more expensive than the U.S. median of $289,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $303,000 to $1,363,000.