Cost of Living in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barnstable County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barnstable County ranks #778 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Barnstable's rent burden tops national average
Renters in Barnstable County spend 20.3% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average of roughly 18%. This means a typical household earning $94,452 annually dedicates over $1,596 monthly to rent—a meaningful premium compared to most American counties.
Less affordable than Massachusetts neighbors
Barnstable ranks among the least affordable counties in Massachusetts, with a rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% versus the state average of 19.3%. Its median rent of $1,596 exceeds the state median by just $38, but higher housing costs relative to local income make affordability tighter here.
Cape Cod premium over nearby counties
Barnstable's median rent of $1,596 significantly outpaces nearby Bristol County ($1,181) and Hampshire County ($1,332), reflecting Cape Cod's seasonal tourism and beach proximity. However, home values in Barnstable ($575,900) remain well below those in neighboring Essex County ($584,000).
Ownership costs climb faster than rent
Renters here pay $1,596 monthly (20.3% of income), while homeowners shoulder $1,717 (21.8% of income) for a median home valued at $575,900. Housing—whether renting or buying—claims over one-fifth of typical household budgets in Barnstable.
Trading Cape Cod for value elsewhere
If you're considering relocating, Berkshire or Hampden counties offer substantially lower housing costs while maintaining healthy median incomes. Barnstable's premium reflects lifestyle and location—weigh whether Cape Cod's appeal justifies paying significantly more for housing than similar Massachusetts communities.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barnstable County
Affordability Verdict
Barnstable County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,596/month representing approximately 20.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Barnstable County is $1,596/month, while owner costs run $1,717/month. Renting saves approximately $121/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $63,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $73,586/year. With a median household income of $94,452, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Barnstable County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Plymouth County where rent averages $1,655/month, Barnstable County is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barnstable County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,204
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.8%
of gross income
The median home in Barnstable County may be a stretch
Median home value is $575,900. Estimated monthly cost: $4,598 vs. your max of $2,204.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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