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Pittsfield, MA

Cost of living in Berkshire County, MA

Part of the Pittsfield Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,020/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 128,047 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $825 27%
Federal tax $532 18%
Healthcare $480 16%
Groceries $385 13%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $246 8%
State tax $177 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Berkshire County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$867
per month
1 bedroom
$825
per month
2 bedroom
$1,126
per month
3 bedroom
$1,381
per month
4 bedroom
$2,046
per month

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Income and earnings in Berkshire County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$72,565
per year
Individual earnings
$42,588
per year
Per capita
$47,668
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Berkshire County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$283,800
Annual property tax
$3,891

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Berkshire County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$172
per month · 28.6¢/kWh
Natural gas
$74
per month
Annual total
$2,952
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Berkshire County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
2.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Berkshire County

State and local tax rates for Massachusetts.

State income tax
5.0%
Flat rate
State sales tax
6.3%
Combined sales tax
6.3%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Berkshire County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.7 min
Drive alone
71.8%
Public transit
1.4%
Work from home
12.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Berkshire County

What it costs to live in Berkshire County each month.

Single person
$3,020
per month
  • Rent $825
  • Energy $246
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $385
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $532
  • State tax $177
Couple
$4,568
per month
  • Rent $1,126
  • Energy $295
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $638
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $858
  • State tax $302
Family
$7,023
per month
  • Rent $1,381
  • Energy $369
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $968
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $858
  • State tax $302

Frequently asked questions about Berkshire County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Berkshire County?

In Berkshire County, MA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $825 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,126 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,381 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Berkshire County?

In Berkshire County, MA, the average household income is $72,565 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $42,588 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Berkshire County?

The estimated cost of living in Berkshire County, MA is approximately $3,020 per month for a single person, $4,568 for a couple, $7,023 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Berkshire County?

The combined sales tax rate in Berkshire County, MA is 6.25%, which includes the Massachusetts state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Berkshire County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Berkshire County, MA would need approximately $3,020 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $72,565 per year ($6,047 per month). Berkshire County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Berkshire County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Berkshire County, MA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 2.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Berkshire County?

The average home value in Berkshire County, MA is $283,800, with average annual property taxes of $3,891, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Berkshire County compare to other areas?

You can compare Berkshire County, MA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Berkshire County is in the Pittsfield, MA metro area.

Other counties in Massachusetts

Browse the full list of counties in Massachusetts, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Massachusetts

Compare Berkshire County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources