Cost of Living in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Berkshire County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Berkshire County ranks #2,170 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 31%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Berkshire offers rare New England bargain
Berkshire County renters spend just 17.2% of their income on housing, beating both the national average and Massachusetts' own 19.3% state median. At $1,042 monthly rent against a $72,565 household income, Berkshire delivers surprising affordability for a New England county.
Massachusetts' most affordable county
Berkshire ranks among the most affordable counties statewide, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.2%—well below the state average of 19.3%. Its median rent of $1,042 is the lowest across all eight surveyed Massachusetts counties, making it the state's best housing value.
Berkshire undercuts every comparable county
Berkshire's $1,042 median rent significantly lags Franklin County ($1,169), Hampshire County ($1,332), and Bristol County ($1,181), despite similar median incomes across western Massachusetts. Home values here ($283,800) are among the state's lowest, offering entry points unmatched elsewhere in Massachusetts.
Housing absorbs less than one-fifth of income
Renters allocate 17.2% of their $72,565 income to the $1,042 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 22.6% to a $1,364 monthly owner cost on homes worth $283,800. Berkshire offers the state's best housing affordability for both renters and buyers.
Affordability meets cultural richness in Berkshire
Moving to Berkshire County means stretching your housing dollar further than anywhere else in Massachusetts while gaining access to arts, culture, and natural beauty. If you're escaping high housing costs from Boston or the Cape, Berkshire delivers both immediate savings and long-term wealth-building through homeownership.
Cost of Living Advisory: Berkshire County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Berkshire County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,042/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,042/month rent versus $1,364/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $322/month cheaper — a 24% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $58,457/year. With a median household income of $72,565, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Berkshire County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Berkshire County sits 6% less expensive than Hampden County ($1,105/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Berkshire County
Rent Burden
17.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,693
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.6%
of gross income
The median home in Berkshire County may be a stretch
Median home value is $283,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,266 vs. your max of $1,693.
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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