Cost of Living in Barnstable, MA - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $2,437 monthly including rent, or $1,033 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,564 with rent, or $1,490 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,690 including rent, or $1,947 for daily expenses alone.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.81 $19.81

$11.89 $11.89

$31.70 $31.70

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.4 $65.4

$55.4 $55.4

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.16 $10.16

$14.23 $14.23

Cappuccino

$4.16 $4.16

$3.06 $3.06

$7.14 $7.14

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.13 $2.13

$1.77 $1.77

$3.34 $3.34

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.67 $1.67

$0.99 $0.99

$2.27 $2.27

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.92 $4.92

$3.93 $3.93

$8.36 $8.36

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.63 $6.63

$4.08 $4.08

$13.25 $13.25

Milk (1 liter)

$0.98 $0.98

$0.55 $0.55

$1.23 $1.23

White Bread (500g)

$2.91 $2.91

$1.61 $1.61

$6.24 $6.24

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.05 $4.05

$2.14 $2.14

$11.03 $11.03

Eggs

$3.68 $3.68

$2.97 $2.97

$7.91 $7.91

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.49 $6.49

$32.56 $32.56

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.78 $8.78

$6.59 $6.59

$21.97 $21.97

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.86 $8.86

$37.73 $37.73

Apples (1kg)

$3.89 $3.89

$2.25 $2.25

$5.17 $5.17

Banana (1kg)

$1.43 $1.43

$1.11 $1.11

$2.20 $2.20

Oranges (1kg)

$3.94 $3.94

$2.24 $2.24

$4.53 $4.53

Tomato (1kg)

$3.58 $3.58

$2.24 $2.24

$5.59 $5.59

Potato (1kg)

$2.12 $2.12

$1.61 $1.61

$10.72 $10.72

Onion (1kg)

$2.23 $2.23

$2.83 $2.83

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.88 $1.88

$0.99 $0.99

$2.75 $2.75

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.66 $1.66

$1.28 $1.28

$2.55 $2.55

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$12.47 $12.47

$11.20 $11.20

$13.74 $13.74

Wine (Bottle)

$12.91 $12.91

$9.94 $9.94

$19.88 $19.88

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$4.34 $4.34

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.35 $3.35

$1.61 $1.61

$5.10 $5.10

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.24 $1.24

$1.99 $1.99

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.03 $3.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.75 $1.75

$3.75 $3.75

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.81 $28.81

$26.06 $26.06

$34.55 $34.55

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.91 $0.91

$0.82 $0.82

$1.11 $1.11

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$35.1K $35.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$23.8K $23.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$98.5 $98.5

$345 $345

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.5 $54.5

$43.78 $43.78

$71.3 $71.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.5 $65.5

$49.58 $49.58

$84.3 $84.3

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.68 $42.68

$17.37 $17.37

$49.63 $49.63

Cinema Ticket

$14.18 $14.18

$12.15 $12.15

$20.00 $20.00

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,694 $1,694

$757 $757

$2,457 $2,457

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$30.3K $30.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.07 $48.07

$20.24 $20.24

$75.9 $75.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$34.11 $34.11

$20.06 $20.06

$50.2 $50.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$84.5 $84.5

$59.0 $59.0

$128 $128

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$162 $162

$90.9 $90.9

$202 $202

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,596 $1,596

$1,196 $1,196

$1,850 $1,850

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,346 $1,346

$994 $994

$1,492 $1,492

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,672 $2,672

$2,032 $2,032

$3,048 $3,048

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,185 $2,185

$1,672 $1,672

$2,458 $2,458

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,334 $2,334

$1,693 $1,693

$2,334 $2,334

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,555 $2,555

$2,058 $2,058

$2,555 $2,555

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.6

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: July 4, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to spend about $301 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $65.0 for two.

Cost Highlights

Barnstable, MA is more expensive than 80% globally but cheaper than 55% within North America.

Barnstable, MA Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Barnstable, MA - Frequently Asked Questions

Barnstable sits in coastal Massachusetts as a location where lifestyle quality often balances a higher price tag with practical everyday costs. Compared with bigger cities nearby, you may find housing closer to the water or in village centers to be pricier, yet everyday essentials like groceries and dining can still be reasonable with a smart mix of local markets and seasonal options. The town suits travelers, long-term digital nomads, and families who value safety, seasonal charm, and outdoor access. Cost of Living in Barnstable, MA, United States tends to reward those who plan around peak tourist periods and multi-use spaces. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to map out monthly habits and transport needs.

Daily life in Barnstable revolves around smart choices in neighborhood fit and practical routines. In housing search, consider village centers like Hyannis, Barnstable Village, and Cotuit for walkability or parking options, and weigh quieter inland pockets for steadier rents. Co-working spaces and public libraries offer reliable work hubs for digital nomads. Food options mix farm stands, seafood markets, and independent grocers, with seasonal produce shining in summer. Public transport is available but less extensive than a metro area, so many rely on bikes, car-sharing, or a car for errands and weekend trips. Barnstable, MA, United States living cost helps weigh trade-offs. Tip: Tour neighborhoods at different times of day to gauge mood and pace.

A practical approach blends a simple budgeting framework with season-aware planning. Separate fixed essentials (housing, utilities) from flexible costs (groceries, dining, entertainment) and anticipate seasonal shifts in crowds or ferries. Neighborhood fit matters: quieter coves suit long winters; busy village centers offer services and nightlife in summer. Save by cooking at home with local seafood and produce, using the library or co-working spaces for workdays, and negotiating longer-term rents during shoulder seasons. Take advantage of free outdoor activities, farmers markets, and community events to maximize value without sacrificing lifestyle. Tip: Build a monthly plan that stacks errands by the same days to minimize trips.

Budget at least $2,437 per month to live in Barnstable, MA once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.

All in, Barnstable, MA runs about $2,437 monthly with rent, or $1,033 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.

Earning $3,656 monthly in Barnstable, MA means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.

Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Barnstable, MA range from $1,346 to $1,596, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.

Childcare averages $1,694 monthly at a private kindergarten in Barnstable, MA. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.

A single person's grocery bill in Barnstable, MA runs about $301 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.

At $2,437 in typical monthly expenses, a $3,000 budget barely covers Barnstable, MA. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.

Remote workers pick Barnstable, MA for good reason: fast internet, family-friendly facilities, retirement-friendly amenities, all at about $2,437 per month including rent. It fits a wide range of remote salaries without compromising on comfort or connectivity.