The cost of living index in Barnstable, MA, stands higher than the nationwide average, showing significant variances across different sectors. Housing costs, for instance, are 39% higher than the average, reflecting the competitive real estate market. Other areas such as groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the average, making Barnstable a place where living expenses run above the national norm.
The cost of living in Barnstable, MA, presents some notable differences compared to the nationwide average. For housing, Barnstable's index stands at 139, which is 39% higher than the national average of 100. This suggests that potential residents might expect to allocate a larger portion of their budget to housing costs in Barnstable. Groceries in Barnstable show a 15% increase, with an index of 115, making everyday food shopping slightly more expensive than the average.
Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also reflect a higher cost of living. Utilities and transportation both have an index of 110, representing 10% more than the national average. Healthcare costs are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Additionally, miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 125, are 25% above the national average. These numbers provide a clear picture for job seekers considering Barnstable, MA, indicating that they need to prepare for higher expenses across various categories.