Cost of Living in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Amherst Town-Northampton? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,741 per year — combining federal taxes with Massachusetts's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($2,004/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Amherst Town-Northampton metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $35,211, or roughly $2,934 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Amherst Town-Northampton metro has a cost of living index of 107.0 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). This puts Amherst Town-Northampton modestly above the national average on everyday expenses beyond rent.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Amherst Town-Northampton represents approximately 34% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level.