Holyoke, 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

Holyoke, MA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Holyoke, MA offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions, with a rich history and a growing community of young professionals and families.

Last updated: October 1, 2026
Total Utilities$340/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$240,000
📷 Live Cameras — Holyoke
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Holyoke
Loading weather...
Holyoke is experiencing a surge in new businesses and developments, particularly in the downtown area, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. However, the city still faces challenges related to poverty and economic inequality.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Holyoke
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Holyoke?

Moving to Holyoke? 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

$150/mo

Eversource Energy
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts
💧 Water

$30/mo

Holyoke Water Works
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Holyoke Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$340/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$240,000
Property Tax Rate1.75%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Holyoke is relatively affordable, with a mix of old and new homes, and a growing number of new developments and renovations. However, the market can be competitive, especially for affordable options. Renters can expect to find a range of options, from apartments to single-family homes.

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 Rate1.75%
<p>State 6.25% + No county tax</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in healthcare, education, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, public safety, education
🚌 Transit for Families

Holyoke has a relatively walkable downtown area, with some public transportation options, including buses, but stroller-friendly infrastructure is limited

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Holyoke Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Holyoke Public Library
  • 🎯
    Dinosaur Footprints Reservation

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, such as Elmwood and Ingleside, offer a mix of old and new homes, and are close to parks, schools, and community amenities. However, some areas of the city are still struggling with poverty and disinvestment.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Holyoke has regulations in place for zoning, parking, and waste management, and residents are encouraged to recycle and participate in community clean-up initiatives

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.

📊 Holyoke — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

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

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The city of Holyoke has a uniform property tax rate of 1.75%, with no local surtaxes. However, residents should note that property tax rates can vary depending on the specific location and type of property.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Holyoke has some stroller-friendly infrastructure, including sidewalks and parks, but could improve in terms of accessibility and maintenance, particularly in older neighborhoods

📰 Latest MA Stories
Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 13, 2026 Finklick tracks 278 cities across Massachusetts. Total state population: 6,984,205. Median...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 11, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 11, 2026

With a population just shy of seven million—6,984,205 as of the most recent estimates—Massachusetts is the third-most densely...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 10, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 10, 2026

Massachusetts presents a compelling paradox for those considering a move: it consistently ranks among the nation’s leaders in...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — October 09, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — October 09, 2026

For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a study in contrasts: world-class education and healthcare...

Read more →
Amazon

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

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.