Best Cities for Accountants & CPAs in Massachusetts
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $78,000 salary
Massachusetts has 5 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For accountants & cpas earning around $78,000 annually, Pittsfield stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 60.7 and $45,587 left after taxes and rent. 2 cities in Massachusetts sit below the national average cost of living, giving accountants & cpas more purchasing power per dollar earned. Barnstable Town is the priciest metro at 124.2 on the index, 64 points above Pittsfield.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsfield | 60.7 | $1,626 |
| 2 | Springfield | 78.5 | $1,734 |
| 3 | Amherst Town-Northampton | 107.0 | $2,004 |
| 4 | Worcester | 109.2 | $2,056 |
| 5 | Barnstable Town | 124.2 | $2,422 |
Net income = $78,000 salary − federal & Massachusetts state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $78,000 salary for accountants & cpas who manage finances and tax compliance, after applying 2026 federal and Massachusetts state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Massachusetts for accountants & cpas?
Pittsfield is the most affordable city in Massachusetts for accountants & cpas, with a cost-of-living index of 60.7 (national average = 100). On a $78,000 salary, you'd have approximately $45,587 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do accountants & cpas earn in Massachusetts?
Accountants & CPAs in Massachusetts earn around $78,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $23,616 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Massachusetts cities?
Across 5 metro areas in Massachusetts, the average cost-of-living index is 96 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Pittsfield at 60.7, while Barnstable Town is the most expensive at 124.2—a difference of 64 index points.
Other Rankings in Massachusetts
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