Cost of Living in Fall River, MA
2026 data for Fall River, MA • Population: 93,885
5% less expensive than the US average (100)
1-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment
2-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment
Median Income
Median household income in Fall River
Population
Estimated population of Fall River
How Far Does Your Salary Go?
A salary in Fall River has different purchasing power than the national average. Use the equivalence below to understand what your salary is worth compared to the US average.
Formula: Your salary in Fall River ÷ COL index × 100 = equivalent national salary. A $52,632 national salary gives you the same purchasing power as $50,000 in Fall River.
Housing Affordability Analysis
Rent as % of Income
For a 1-bedroom apartment at median income. Experts suggest under 30% is affordable.
Monthly Rent to Income
Ratio of monthly income to monthly 1-bedroom rent.
What is a Cost of Living Index?
A cost of living index measures the relative cost of goods and services in a city compared to a national baseline (set at 100). An index of 150 means the city is 50% more expensive than average. An index of 80 means it's 20% cheaper than average.
The index typically includes housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare—the major expense categories for households.
Compare with Other Cities
See how Fall River's cost of living stacks up against nearby and similar cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to plan your finances based on Fall River's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting vs buying in your city.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and city.
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate monthly mortgage payments and total interest.
Cost of Living Guide for Fall River, MA
Overview
Fall River has a cost of living index of 95, making it 5% less expensive than the national average. With a population of 93,885 and a median household income of $38,920, understanding the true cost of living here is essential for financial planning.
Housing Market
The housing market in Fall River reflects its cost of living index. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,100 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,400 per month. For renters, this typically consumes 33.9% of the median household income—above the recommended 30% threshold.
Income and Affordability
With a median household income of $38,920, Fall River residents earn slightly below the national median. When factoring in the local cost of living, a salary of $78,947in Fall River provides the same purchasing power as $75,000 nationally.
Moving to Fall River
Whether you're relocating for work or considering a move, understanding the cost of living in Fall River is crucial. Use our calculators to determine if your salary can support your desired lifestyle here. Consider not just rent, but also food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare when budgeting.
Saving and Investing
Once you understand your cost of living in Fall River, you can better plan your savings and investment strategy. Our financial tools help you determine how much you can realistically save each month and optimize your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cost of Living in Fall River
How does the cost of living in Fall River compare to the national average?
Fall River has a cost of living index of 95, which means it's 5% less expensive than the US average of 100. This affects everything from housing to groceries and utilities.
Is a $78,947 salary good for Fall River?
A salary in Fall River has different purchasing power than elsewhere. A $78,947 salary in Fall River provides the same purchasing power as $75,000 nationally. Compare your salary to the median income of $38,920 to gauge your earning potential.
Can you afford to rent in Fall River?
With a median household income of $38,920, a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month consumes 33.9% of income. Financial experts recommend keeping rent under 30% of gross income—this is above that threshold.