Harwich, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Harwich, MA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$380,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Harwich
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Harwich Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Harwich Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$380,000
Property Tax Rate1.15%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Harwich is competitive, with a mix of historic homes and new constructions. The town has a strong demand for summer rentals, which can drive up prices. However, there are still affordable options available for year-round residents.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

100

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.15%
<p>State 6.25% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, healthcare, and technology
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, coastal erosion
🚌 Transit for Families

Harwich has a limited public transportation system, but the town is relatively small and walkable, making it accessible for families with strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Cape Cod Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Whydah Pirate Museum
  • 🎯
    Harwich Beach

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Harwich include the historic district, with its charming homes and walkable streets, and the area around Harwich Port, with its shops and restaurants. The town also has several family-friendly beaches and parks, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Harwich based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Harwich has regulations in place to protect its coastal environment and historic districts, including restrictions on new development and renovations.

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📊 Harwich — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Harwich fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating oil bills in the winter. However, the town's mild coastal climate means that overall utility costs are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 02645 has a property tax millage rate of 1.15, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 7/10: Harwich has good sidewalk quality and park access, but limited elevator access in transit and some areas with narrow or uneven sidewalks, making it somewhat challenging for stroller navigation.

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