Great Barrington, MA Utility & Living Guide

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Great Barrington, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Great Barrington, MA offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm.

Last updated: October 5, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$340,000
📷 Live Cameras — Great Barrington
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🌤️ Live Weather — Great Barrington
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Great Barrington is experiencing a surge in remote workers and entrepreneurs, driving up demand for housing and commercial space. The town is investing in infrastructure and amenities to support this growth.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Great Barrington
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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

Great Barrington Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 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$340,000
Property Tax Rate1.25%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Great Barrington is competitive, with a mix of historic homes, new constructions, and rural properties. Rentals are scarce, and prices are rising. Buyers can expect to pay a premium for properties with mountain views or proximity to downtown.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

95

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.25%
<p>State 5.2% + Local 1.05%</p>

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

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
Blue
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) provides public transportation, including bus routes and a downtown shuttle, but stroller-friendly infrastructure is limited.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Berkshire Museum
  • 🎯
    Clark Art Institute
  • 🎯
    October Mountain State Forest

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Housatonic and Alford, offer a mix of historic homes, parks, and family-friendly amenities. The rural areas surrounding Great Barrington provide a more secluded, natural environment.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Great Barrington has regulations in place to preserve its historic character and natural environment, including zoning restrictions and conservation efforts.

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📊 Great Barrington — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Great Barrington fluctuate significantly with the seasons, with higher electricity and fuel oil costs in the winter due to heating demands. In the summer, air conditioning costs are relatively low due to the town's moderate climate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01230 has a property tax millage rate of 12.5, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, due to limited sidewalk infrastructure and uneven terrain in some areas, but with accessible parks and family-friendly amenities in the downtown area.

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