Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts;-Looking through the top New England college towns? Massachusetts has more than 100 schools and institutions, which means there are a lot of students there. Budget-conscious people may find Massachusetts to be unfriendly. In fact, The Bay State has an average cost of living that is 39% more than the rest of the nation. Fortunately, the cost of living varies greatly among college communities.
Massachusetts’ New England College Towns Methodology
We analyzed housing, grocery, health, transportation, and utility costs to the national average in order to determine which college towns are the most cheap. Before reducing our list to the 20 most affordable college towns in Massachusetts, we also took into account aspects like amenities, crime rates, public transit, and general quality of life. The source of all the data was Sterling’s Best Places.
20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
1.North Adams
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Cost of living: 51% below the state average and 12% below the national average.
The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is located in North Adams, a quaint college town in the Berkshire Mountains. Additionally, it is one of The Bay State’s more reasonably priced towns, which is wonderful news for college students on a tight budget.
Students in North Adams can afford to take advantage of some of the town’s unique charms and attractions thanks to a cost of living that is lower than both the national and state norms. Numerous hiking and running paths can be found in the Berkshires, in addition to the numerous parks and outdoor activities located in North Adams. A trip through the charming downtown is highly recommended. One of these is the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
2.Springfield
Springfield College, Western New England University
Cost of living: 43.7% less expensive than the state average; 4.7% less expensive than the national average
The cost of living in Springfield is marginally lower than the national average, which is unusual in Massachusetts, where costs are high. While expenses for items like food, transportation, and utilities should be slightly higher for students, there may be significant housing cost savings. Springfield has a stunning 20% lower average cost of housing than the US as a whole! The local economy is one of the most stable in New England, which will please those who plan to stay for a time. This is partly attributable to the presence of such significant and venerable businesses as:
Group MassMutual Financial
Manufacturer of firearms Smith & Wesson
Inc. Merriam Webster
3.Worcester
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester State University, Clark University
Cost of living: 30% below the state average; 9% above the national average.
Worcester is an excellent city for students on a college budget because it is home to more than 10 colleges and universities. The average cost of healthcare is below average nationwide. Food, utility, entertainment, and transportation costs are often only 5–7% more expensive than the national average.
Approximately $940 a month would get you a one-bedroom apartment in this area. With such figures, Worcester is a popular address choice in the pricey Bay State. All theatrical productions and concerts pause in Worcester. Both the Worcester Art Museum and the neighborhood hockey team offer entertaining (and inexpensive) activities.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
4.Williamstown
Williams College
Cost of living: 29.9% below state average; 9.1% higher than national average
Williams College, one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the country, is located in Williamstown. For people who enjoy being outside, this small hamlet in the picturesque Berkshire Mountains is the ideal place to live. There are many hiking and running trails.
The Williams College Museum of Art has an amazing collection of international art for those who would rather stay inside. Williamstown residents’ housing costs should be expected to be about 40% higher than the national average. Williamstown is a great and affordable college town because other expenses like food, healthcare, and transportation are all below average.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
5.Westfield
Westfield State University
Cost of living: 29.5% below state average; 9.5% higher than national average
Westfield State University is based in Westfield, a pleasant area close to the Berkshires. The community has a distinctive past. It once held the top spot in the nation for buggy whip production. It boasts one of the top emergency response teams in the nation today and a reputation for being a safe community.
Students should anticipate to pay a little bit extra for everything from groceries to monthly utilities, even if Westfield’s cost of living is just on average 9.5% higher than the national average. A car is absolutely important for daily living in Westfield because there is no public transportation and housing costs roughly 32% more than average.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
6.Northampton
Smith College
Living expenses: 14.9% 24.1% more than the national average decreases from the state average
The cost of living in Northampton is 15% more than the national average. Even lower estimates for healthcare and transportation expenses exist, in part because of the UMASS transit system. It offers speedy and affordable transportation between the local neighborhoods and schools. And virtually all of the best things to do here are free! Northampton has a well-deserved reputation as a fantastic location for outdoor enthusiasts. In this stunning location, people love to go hiking, swimming, biking, and river kayaking.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
7.Great Barrington
Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Cost of living: 21.6% below the state average; 17.4% more than the national average
Great Barrington is a thriving small town in southern Massachusetts that is a well-liked choice for second homes and a different kind of college town. A liberal arts college expressly created for pupils of high school age is Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Since there are more than 70 eateries here, the average price of food is 5% less than the national average.
The same may be stated about the prices of utilities, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. All of them are equal to or barely higher than the national average. Only housing costs are shockingly 67% more than average. There are almost always performances of theater, music, and other arts.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
8.Lowell
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Cost of living: 17.2% below state average; 21.8% higher than national average
UMASS The second-largest state university in Massachusetts is located in Lowell. With over 27,000 students, Lowell is now known as a quickly developing college town. Since Lowell is the second-largest city in the Boston metropolitan area and the fourth-largest city in the state, students who live here have access to some of the best dining, shopping, and entertainment options in the nation.
The cost of living in Lowell is lower than the state average, thus students there might be able to afford such enjoyment. The average cost of housing is around 63% less than the state average. The average cost of utilities, transportation, healthcare, and food is below or slightly above
9.Amherst
Amherst College, Hampshire College, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Cost of living: 16.4% below state average, 22.6% higher than the national average
People in the small town of Amherst are happy indeed, at least when it comes to the expense of living, as one might anticipate from a college town situated in an area known as “Happy Valley.”
The cost of housing is often 74% more than the national average. Food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and entertainment expenditures are all about comparable to or even somewhat less than those in the rest of the nation. Amherst, a hub for liberal politics in academia, is a favorite destination for many artists and authors who appreciate the town’s vibrant college atmosphere and traditional New England feel.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
Read;Top 20 Most Affordable College Towns in Kentucky 2023
10.Dartmouth
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Southern New England School of Law
Cost of living: 11.1% below state average; 27.9% higher than national average
Dartmouth, which is home to two prestigious colleges, is located in the southernmost region of the state alongside the harbor. The 352-year-old city is serene and serene.
Here, the boating and fishing industries are still thriving. The Coastal Wine Tour features a number of local active vineyards. Food expenditures as well as those for utilities, transportation, and entertainment are slightly over the national average despite the presence of local agricultural enterprises. But housing is a very different matter. The average sale and rental prices are nearly twice as high as the national average.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
11.Salem
Salem State University
Cost of living: 5.3% below the state average; 33.7% more than the national average
The spookiest town in America is actually a fantastic college town! 10,000 students attend Salem State University there, which is known for its highly acclaimed nursing curriculum. Salem is a lively town that benefits from both its grotesque past and current tourism.
Here, historical reenactments, strolling tours, and museums are all well-liked pastimes. Attractions centered on the coastal town’s rich maritime history are also well-liked. The other cost-of-living categories are typically far more affordable, despite the fact that housing costs frequently exceed the national average. And if one really needed to make ends meet, they could always find work at the historical recreation of the Salem Witch Trials.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
12.Bridgewater
Bridgewater State University
Cost of living: 2.9% above the state average and 41.9% above the national average.
Bridgewater, a small town in Rhode Island that is almost exactly midway between Boston and Providence, is where Bridgewater State University is located. It is a well-regarded public liberal arts college that began as a teachers’ college. Nearly 12,000 of Bridgewater’s roughly 27,000 people are students.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that people of Bridgewater enjoy a certain exciting college town vibe in their little town. Bridgewater’s cost of living is 42% more than the national average, however this is primarily because housing is more expensive than the average.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
13.Framingham
Framingham State University, American Career Institute Framingham, Marist College and Seminary
Cost of living: 7.4% above the state average and 46.4% above the national average.
Framingham is a close-knit and picturesque municipality full with athletic facilities, civic centers, public parks, and other recreational spaces.
It was named one of the “Best Places to Live in the US” by CNN Money magazine. However, expensive amenities come at a larger cost. The cost of living in Framingham is typically 7% more than the state average in Massachusetts. The most expensive of the items deemed necessary is housing. Framingham is still a reasonably priced alternative for people who appreciate a lively neighborhood and convenient access to Boston.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
14.Medford
Tufts University, Crane Theological School
Cost of living is 72.5% more expensive than the national average and 33.5% more expensive than the state average.
Tufts University is located in the town of Medford, which is also a college town and a family-friendly neighborhood. The best of both worlds are present. Here, you will frequently find recreational places and neighborhood gatherings. The safety-focused smartphone apps created by the Medford Police Department have gained acclaim on a global scale.
Despite having a cost of living that is on average 34% more than the state’s average, Medford is regarded as one of the region’s most affordable communities. Costlier nearby communities include Cambridge, Somerville, Winchester, and Arlington. Finding affordable costs is simple because to the variety of restaurants available. Saving money on transportation is a cinch thanks to the availability of reliable public transit choices (including a commuter rail stop).20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
15.Waltham
Bentley University, Brandeis University, Middlesex University
Cost of living is higher by 32.1% in the state than the national average and by 71.1% nationally.
Waltham, which is the home of Bentley University and Brandeis University, is a lovely college town with a very New England vibe. With housing expenses more than 200% above the national average, the cost of living is substantially higher than both the national and state norms.
The good news is that there is a very low unemployment rate, affordable taxes, almost little crime, and a laid-back college town atmosphere. Fishing, running, and eating by the riverside are all great activities at the Charles Riverwalk Park, which is the ideal place to spend a pleasant afternoon or evening. Just make sure to dress warmly. Waltham, which is west of Boston, experiences typical New England weather.
16.Milton
Curry College
Cost of Living: 88.7% More Expensive Than Average; 49.7% More Expensive Than Average
Little Milton has a lot to be proud of, in addition to being the location of Curry College. Both architect Buckminster Fuller and President H.W. Bush were born in the upscale Boston suburb. More people with Irish ancestry reside there than any other city in the United States. Of all the Boston suburbs, it also has the most protected land. It has routinely been rated as one of the nation’s “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine.
Milton offers students a relaxed, bucolic environment that is ideal for the collegiate experience. There are spots in Milton that are favorable to college students, despite housing costs being approximately 250% more than the national average.A trolley service reduces transportation expenses while facilitating easy transit inside the city and to Boston. Major thoroughfares and interstates are easily accessible to Milton residents.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
17.Cambridge
Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge College
Cost of living is higher by 63.7% in the state than the national average and by 102.7% nationally.
While living in Cambridge may be prohibitively expensive for students, the area around the city’s 13 colleges and universities offers an amazing standard of living. Housing expenditures might exceed the national average by up to 317%.
However, there are many places to eat that are suitable for students and transportation is simple to get, particularly in and around Harvard Square. Cambridge has one of the highest average household incomes in the state despite these increased prices. This is partially attributable to the presence of several large corporations, all of which aggressively hire from the nearby institutions. Cambridge is home to several companies including Google, Novartis, Pfizer, IBM Research, Microsoft Research, Staples, Hewlett-Packard, and Amazon.20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
18.Brookline
Hellenic College, Newbury College
Cost of living is higher above the national average by 131.7% and the state average by 92.7%.
Six schools may be found in Brookline, one of Boston’s most coveted suburbs, including:
Colleges Newbury, Hellenic, and the New England Institute of Art
Although the town is only a short distance from Boston, it can compete with larger cities in terms of amenities. Brookline is home to upscale stores, eateries, parks, and different apartment buildings—some more reasonably priced than others. There are reasonable grocery stores and marketplaces, quality medical facilities, and a stop on Boston’s effective and cost-effective commuter trolley line.
Also Read;20 Most Affordable College Towns in California 2023
19.Newton
Boston College, Lasell College, Pine Manor College, Mount Ida College
Cost of living is 144.9% more expensive than the national average and 105.9% more expensive than the state average.
Newton is an attractive place to live despite being only seven miles from downtown Boston because of its small town atmosphere, intriguing history, and cultural diversity. Due to its overwhelmingly verdant surrounds, it is frequently referred to as the “Garden City”. Students at Boston College or any of Newton’s other 10 colleges and universities can benefit fully from all the sophistication and conveniences that come with living in both the city and the suburbs, most notably:
Among Massachusetts’ largest libraries are located here, along with historic residences, high-quality healthcare, a segment of the Boston Marathon, and convenient access to entertainment.
Unfortunately, such a great quality of life also means increased living expenses. 20 Most Affordable College Towns in Massachusetts 2023
20.Wellesley
Wellesley College, Babson College
Cost of living is 187.8% more expensive than the national average and 148% more expensive than the state average.
The most costly place to live in Massachusetts is also one of the most well-known college towns. Wellesley is a picturesque and historic town that is home to the women’s liberal arts college Wellesley College.
two ponds
several trails for cross-country skiing and jogging
numerous playgrounds, parks, and picnic spots
community tennis courts that have been maintained
The historic section downtown has modest stores, boutiques, and eateries that provide the impression of being in a tiny village. The cost of all of this is unfortunately rather high. Wellesley’s cost of living is almost 188% greater than the national average, with housing expenditures seeing the most increase. Fortunately for students, both nearby colleges have residence halls rated among
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