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Amherst, MA Utility & Living Guide
Living in Amherst, MA offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to world-class educational institutions
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
—
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1400/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $340,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.25% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The Amherst housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a strong demand for rentals due to the presence of several colleges and universities. The town has a range of neighborhoods, from downtown to more rural areas, each with its own character. Home prices have been rising in recent years, but there are still affordable options available for buyers and renters
Cost of Living
110
+10% above national average
105
95
105
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.25% |
| <p>State 5.2% + 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
60
7.5/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) provides public transportation in Amherst, with some routes and buses being stroller-friendly, but not all
- Amherst College Museum of Natural History
- Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
- Hitchcock Center for the Environment
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Amherst based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Amherst has regulations in place to protect its historic districts and natural resources, and also has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Amherst — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Amherst can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning usage, and higher heating costs in the winter. However, the town's mild climate means that these fluctuations are not as extreme as in other parts of the country
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The ZIP code 01002 has a property tax millage rate of 18.45, with no local surtaxes
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and some stroller-friendly public transportation options, but some areas with limited elevator access and rough pavement
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