Adams, MA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Adams, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Adams, MA offers a charming small-town experience with easy access to outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.

Last updated: September 2, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$240,000
📷 Live Cameras — Adams
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Adams
Loading weather...
Adams is experiencing a surge in new businesses and developments, driven by its scenic location and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, this growth also brings concerns about affordability and infrastructure.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Adams
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Adams?

Moving to Adams? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

National Grid
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Adams Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$240,000
Property Tax Rate1.35%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Adams is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are scarce, and prices have been rising in recent years. First-time homebuyers may find affordable options in nearby neighborhoods.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+18% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.35%
<p>State 6.25% + No County tax + No City tax</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income taxes.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

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, manufacturing, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, infrastructure, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

The town has limited public transportation, but sidewalks and parks are generally stroller-friendly.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum
  • 🎯
    Adams Visitor Center
  • 🎯
    Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming, small-town feel, with easy access to parks and outdoor spaces. Families may prefer the quieter, more residential areas on the outskirts of town.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Adams — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Adams fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating bills in the winter. Residents can expect to pay around 20-30% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01220 has a property tax millage rate of 18.45, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: Adams has decent sidewalks and park access, but elevator access in transit is limited, and family infrastructure could be improved.

📰 Latest MA Stories
Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population just shy of seven million, Massachusetts presents a classic trade-off for anyone considering a move:...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Considering a move to Massachusetts means weighing its reputation for top-tier education and historic charm against a notoriously...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a compelling but costly proposition. Home to nearly...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just under seven million—6,984,205 to be precise—Massachusetts is one of the most densely populated...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.