Barre, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Barre, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Barre, MA offers a charming rural experience with easy access to Worcester and Boston.

Last updated: September 2, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Barre
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🌤️ Live Weather — Barre
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The current financial trend in Barre is a growing demand for remote work spaces and outdoor recreational facilities. Local businesses are adapting to the changing needs of residents and visitors.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Barre
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💰 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

Barre Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 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$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Barre is relatively stable, with a mix of old and new homes available. Rentals are mostly single-family homes and apartments in small complexes. Home prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

92

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<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
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 healthcare, education, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordable housing, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Barre has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Barre Falls Dam
  • 🎯
    Wells State Park
  • 🎯
    Rutland State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The village center and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming and family-friendly atmosphere, with easy access to schools, parks, and local amenities. The northern part of town has more rural areas with larger properties and a quieter atmosphere.

Household Budget Calculator

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📊 Barre — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Barre fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating oil 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 01005 has a property tax millage rate of 18.55, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: Barre has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the town's rural areas can be challenging to navigate with a stroller, and public transportation is limited

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