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20 Most Affordable Places to Live in New England (Updated 2023)

Caribou, ME

People have different criteria when choosing where to live, depending on their lifestyle, personal preference, stage of life, and employment. Regardless of the other factors people consider, everyone has a budget to which they must stick when making their decision.

Those who have a limited budget will generally look for locations that have low property or rental prices and a reasonable cost of living. However, there are many other factors to consider here, including things like transit scores and school ratings when gauging the lowest cost of living in New England.

Based on these and many other factors, we found the 20 cheapest places to live in New England. These living options should provide you with a unique and enjoyable place to live if you plan on relocating soon.

Just remember what Mark Twain once said before moving: "The weather is always doing something there; always attending strictly to business; always getting up new designs and trying them on people to see how they will go."

20. Exeter, NH

Exeter, NH
  • Cost of Living Index: 118.9 (for comparison: New Hampshire, 105.8; USA, 100)
  • Median Home Price: According to Zillow, $530,211
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $2,250

Exeter is a picturesque town on the riverfront close to New Hampshire's coastline. The historic architecture gives the town the quintessential New England feel. It is under an hour to Boston and only 25 minutes to Portsmouth. With a one-year job growth rate of 6.53%, it provides plenty of work opportunities for young people. 

The town is known for its restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops. With a "Very Walkable" walk score of 78 out of 100, it's a great place to live if you like moving. While the lifestyle on offer is fantastic, Exeter remains one of the most affordable options in New England. Although it is the most expensive location on this list, it remains well below the New England average.

19. Kennebunk, ME

Kennebunk, ME
  • Cost of Living Index: 109.9 (by comparison: Maine, 97; USA, 100)
  • Median Home Price: According to Zillow, $582,170
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $2,600

Kennebunk's property market is a good mix of the old and the new, with modern structures sitting alongside homes from the late 18th century. It’s considered “Very Walkable,” meaning it’s easy to get around. The city also offers affordable transportation options, like The Kennector

This diversity of market and unique adaptability means that there’s something on the property market to suit all tastes. Kennebunk is full of New England character; there are plenty of amenities and attractions as well, including sailing cruises and various museums. 

The schools in the city are excellent, with many receiving 9 out of 10s from Great Schools. There are also miles of sandy beaches with stunning coastal scenery for you and your family to explore.

18. Northampton, MA

Northampton, MA
  • Cost of Living Index: 102.8 (by comparison: Massachusetts, 127.5; USA, 100)
  • Median Home Price: According to Zillow, $439,136
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $2,190

Apartment Therapy lists Northampton as an affordable place to live for those who want to live in New England without paying Boston prices. With an average Great Schools rating of 9, Northampton provides a great place to raise your children. It also has a reasonably safe living environment.

Northampton also has a lot to offer with regard to lifestyle, as there is a vibrant downtown that is jam-packed with fun places like Acme Surplus, Beyond Happiness, and Booklink Booksellers & Cafe. Residents can also spend time outdoors in places like Smith College Botanic Garden.

17. Portland, ME

Portland, ME
  • Cost of Living Index: 112.5 (by comparison: 97, Maine; USA, 100)
  • Median Home Cost: According to Zillow, $524,545
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $2,500

Portland is the largest city in Maine, and it consistently ranks as one of the best places to live due to the strong housing market, the overall quality of life, and the steady job market. With a strong walk score of 62 and a bike score of 68, Portland is great for the on-the-go individual.

The city combines coastal living, history, and a thriving food scene, including restaurants like Isa Bistro, Street and Co, and David’s Restaurant. Weather is decent throughout the year, typically averaging in the 70s and 80s in the summer and having about four inches of precipitation a month.

16. Montpelier, VT

Montpelier, VT
  • Cost of Living Index: 94.2 (by comparison: Vermont, 100.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $400,336
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,450

According to List with Clever, one of the most affordable places to live in New England is Montpelier, which is the capital city of Vermont. With less than 8,000 residents, Montpelier is one of the United States' smallest capitals and has a walkability score of 91 and a bikeable score of 60. 

It has the typical New England feel and a vibrant downtown area with a fairly safe rating compared to other cities of its size. The city is full of historic architecture, with very few homes built after World War II. Weather is also mild, with temperatures between 26-84 on the highest. 

Although house prices are rising in this city, as they are in most locations, it remains one of the most affordable places to live in terms of cost of living. It’s particularly cozy for people who want to live in smaller areas. 

15. Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA
  • Cost of Living Index: 111.5 (by comparison: Massachusetts, 127.5; USA, 100
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $392,448
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,950

Worcester is the second-largest city in New England, and it is a popular location for those who work in Boston, as Boston is only a commuter rail ride away. Despite its proximity to Boston, the house prices and cost of rental are significantly lower than in this city. It also has strong walkability (56) and transit (34) scores.

Furthermore, Worcester has a 10 out of 10 average for many of its schools on Great Schools, which means your children will have the support necessary to learn. Although the cost of living is low, there are plenty of appealing features of this area, including activities like scavenger hunts and history trails.

14. Providence, RI

Providence, RI
  • Cost of Living Index: 108.8 (by comparison: Rhode Island, 112.5; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $365,947
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $2,000

Providence in Rhode Island is less than an hour from Boston and has a similar vibe. However, the property prices are much lower, and the schools are highly rated (10 out of 10 for many facilities). Weather remains mild here, too, with average temperatures no lower than 21 or higher than 85. 

There are many stunning 19th-century properties in Providence, and the downtown area has a trendy restaurant and arts scene. As it is a walkable city, with a rating of 76 and a bike score of 61, residents do not spend much on transport costs. 

13. Easthampton, MA

Easthampton, MA
  • Cost of Living Index: 102.8 (by comparison: Massachusetts, 127.5; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $389,854
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,500

Easthampton is a college town with a population of just over 16,000 people. It is one of the most affordable options in Massachusetts, with a fantastic walkability score of 88 and a strong bikeable score of 64. Furthermore, it has a strong safety index of 58 with strong police protection.

Although the area has a young vibe due to the colleges and universities, it is also a good option for families as the public schools are excellent, with an average rating of 9 out of 10, and multiple parks throughout the city.

12. Kingston, RI

Kingston, RI
  • Cost of Living Index: 124.3 (by comparison: Rhode Island, 112.5; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $570,961
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $3,000

If your preference is to live in Rhode Island, then one of the most affordable options is Kingston. Its overall cost of living is reasonable, and it is a city that offers a good quality of life. For example, it gets between 4-5 inches of precipitation a year, as well as having a reasonable and cozy climate.

Some other features of this city that may appeal are the low crime rates, steady job market, and highly-rated schools. Though its walkability score isn’t great, it is somewhat bikeable, with a decent number of paths throughout the city that improve your transit.

11. Naugatuck, CT

Naugatuck, CT
  • Cost of Living Index: 109.2 (by comparison: Connecticut, 111.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $295,263
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,600

Naugatuck is the second-cheapest place to live in Connecticut in terms of property prices and is even more affordable for those who are renting, as it has the best income-to-rent price ratio in the state. It’s also a fairly safe neighborhood, with a ranking of 33 out of 100, depending on where you live.

The median household income is almost $75,000, while the average cost of renting in Naugatuck is only $1,069. Naugatuck is just south of Waterbury, and it has a population of 31,347 people.

According to Niche, other positive features of this location include a diverse community, above-average schools (7 out of 10 ranking), and plenty of activities. These include Naugatuck State Forest, Mattatuck Museum, and Hop Brook Lake, all of which provide a fun and engaging range of fun.

10. Brattleboro, VT

Battleboro, VT
  • Cost of Living Index: 99.7 (by comparison: Vermont, 100.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $322,735
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,700

When checking out the most affordable places to live in New England, consider Brattleboro. It sits on the banks of the Connecticut River and provides a beautiful feel. Its crime rate is very low, which makes sense as, according to CBS News, “All six New England states were ranked in the top 10” when it comes to safety, with Vermont being the safest state.

The downtown area is full of restaurants, shops, and breweries. With a fantastic walkability score of 90, it’s a great place for people on the go to live. As you move outwards from the downtown area, there are streets with Victorian houses and then old farmhouses further out of the city, which then lead to suburban neighborhoods.

The city is surrounded by mountains and a rural landscape that gives residents the opportunity to spend their free time enjoying outdoor pursuits such as hiking and skiing at places like Brattleboro Outing Club, Cross Country Ski Center, and Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center.

9. Somersworth, NH

Somersworth, NH
  • Cost of Living Index: 102.8 (by comparison: New Hampshire, 105.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $380,908
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,850

The second most affordable place to live in New Hampshire is Somersworth, which is a small city just north of Portsmouth with a population of 11,925. There is a strong housing market in this city, a great walkability score of 79, and a decent 30 bikeability score for those who prefer these options.

It is worth noting that the job market is also strong, and unemployment is low. Therefore, the earnings potential is good, and the median household income in Somersworth is $66,663. There are also plenty of fun things to do, such as haunted walking tours, scavenger hunts, and harbor visits.

8. Stratford, NJ

Stratford, NJ
  • Cost of Living Index: 94.2 (by comparison: New Jersey, 119.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $297,327
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,075

The second cheapest place to live in New Jersey is Stratford, which is a town in Camden County, approximately 30 minutes from Philadelphia. The area attracts commuters who cannot afford to live in Philadelphia, especially those who appreciate the 10 out of 10 Great Schools rankings in this city.

There are also plenty of fun things to do in the city, such as visiting the Whitman Stafford House, checking out Voorhees Town Center, enjoying Gravity Vault Vorhees, and trying out dining options like Tejax Grill and Gagan Palace. 

Furthermore, this is community diversity, crime rates are low (a 35 rating on Neighborhood Scout), and the transport links are excellent. People who want to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing city will likely enjoy what Stratford has to offer, especially its many outdoor parks.

7. Somerdale, NJ

Somerdale, NJ
  1. Cost of Living Index: 94.2 (by comparison: New Jersey, 119.8; USA, 100)
  2. Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $307,227
  3. Median Rental: According to Zillow, $2,700

As one of the cheapest places to live in New England, Somerdale is also the cheapest place to live in New Jersey. Somerdale is a town in Camden County that has a population of only 5,448 people, and it is only half an hour from Philadelphia. It’s a great place for children, with a 10 out of 10 Great Schools ranking.

Due to its affordability, it is a popular option for those who work in Philadelphia but cannot afford the high cost of living and expensive properties in the city. It’s also a bit more walkable and bikeable than Philadelphia, with 47 and 38 scores, respectively

The area appeals to those who enjoy the outdoors, as it is surrounded by hiking trails and places to enjoy nature. Other great things to do in the city include Dark Philly Adult Night Tours and historical explorations of Revolutionary areas.

6. Torrington, CT

Torrington, CT
  • Cost of Living Index: 105.9 (by comparison: Connecticut, 111.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $247,431
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,400

While Torrington is only the sixth most affordable places to live in New England, it is the cheapest place overall to live in Connecticut. Almost 35,000 people live in this city, and it is the largest city in Litchfield County. It has a 39 total crime index score from Neighborhood Scout, which is a strong rating.

There is something to appeal to all demographics in Torrington, with activities like guided walking tours, alpaca farms, and outdoor parks. The median house price in this city is $153,700, which is significantly below the state average and the average for New England. It also has an average walk score of 36 and an average bike score of 29, which is solid for the area.

5. Rutland, VT

Rutland, VT
  • Cost of Living Index: 90.1 (by comparison: Vermont, 100.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $245,285
  • Median Rental: According to Zillow, $1,600

Rutland is one of the largest cities in Vermont, and it has a population of 15,398 people. It is also one of the most affordable places to live in the state and has plenty of fun activities, including outdoor hiking trips, brewery and spirits tours, theaters and orchestras, farms, and deer trails to check out.

However, the low property prices are not all that Rutland has in its favor, as there are outstanding schools, a diverse employment market, and many attractions to enjoy in the city for people of all ages.

With a strong walkable score of 87, it’s a cozy place to live if you like walking. Even better, the weather is also mild, with between 2-4 inches of precipitation a month and temp highs between 29-86.

4. Adams, MA

Adams, MA
  • Cost of Living Index: 95.9 (by comparison: Massachusetts, 127.5; USA, 100:
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $241,176
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $1,050

Not only one of the cheapest places to live in New England, Adams is the most affordable place to live in Massachusetts, says Space Wise. Adams is in the northwest of Massachusetts, and it is home to 5,412 people. It has a low crime rate (28 out of 100) and an excellent walkability score of 82.

In addition to the low cost of living and affordable property prices, this is a safe place to live with many leisure activities and a low unemployment rate. Adams includes fun activities like private ax throwing, escape games, and even many parks and outdoor activities to try out.

3. Newport, NH

Newport, NH
  • Cost of Living Index: 89.1 (by comparison: New Hampshire, 105.8; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $279,095
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $1,275

Currently, Newport is among the most affordable places to live in New England and the most affordable place to live in New Hampshire. It is a small town just outside Concord that has 5,240 residents with a variety of living options. The overall cost of living is low compared to the average for New England. 

Furthermore, it has a decent crime level at just 28, mild temperatures and, reasonable rainfall (rarely over four inches), and plenty of fun activities. Those who live in Newport can enjoy the outdoors, as there are places for fishing, hiking, skiing, and boating, as well as shooting opportunities.

2. Presque Isle, ME

Presque Isle, ME
  • Cost of Living Index: 75.1 (by comparison: Maine, 97; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $169,473
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $1,000

Presque Isle is both the second most affordable place to live in Maine and the second cheapest location in New England. This Aroostook County city has strong schools (7 out of 10 on Great Schools) a high walkability rating of 74, and a bikeability rating of 48.

Despite the low property prices and the affordable cost of living, residents of the area have good earnings potential as the job market is strong and unemployment rates are low. Presque Isle has a population of 9,116 and lots of fun activities, like Aroostook State Park and the Maine Solar System Model.

1. Caribou, ME

Caribou, ME
  • Cost of Living Index: 75.1 (by comparison: Maine, 97; USA, 100)
  • Median House Cost: According to Zillow, $156,014
  • Median Rent: According to Zillow, $1,250

According to Home Snacks, Caribou is not only the cheapest place to live in Maine, but it is also the most affordable place to live in New England. It is the most northeastern city in the United States, and it has a population of 7,710. Caribou is also incredibly safe, with a 61 score on Neighborhood Scout.

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Liz Flynn

Written by Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

Read more posts by Liz Flynn

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