Best Cities for Financial Analysts in Massachusetts
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $85,000 salary
Massachusetts has 5 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For financial analysts earning around $85,000 annually, Pittsfield stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 60.7 and $50,697 left after taxes and rent. 2 cities in Massachusetts sit below the national average cost of living, giving financial analysts 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 = $85,000 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 $85,000 salary for financial analysts who analyze investments and financial data, 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 financial analysts?
Pittsfield is the most affordable city in Massachusetts for financial analysts, with a cost-of-living index of 60.7 (national average = 100). On a $85,000 salary, you'd have approximately $50,697 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do financial analysts earn in Massachusetts?
Financial Analysts in Massachusetts earn around $85,000 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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