Belmont, MA vs Waltham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waltham is 23% cheaper than Belmont. With a cost index of 164 vs 202, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waltham to Belmont should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Belmont is $2,387/month compared to $2,232/month in Waltham — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waltham is more affordable at $705,700 median vs $1,108,800.

Median household income in Belmont is $178,188 compared to $116,560 in Waltham (+52.9%). While Belmont is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Belmont spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 23% in Waltham.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.5°F vs 50.5°F). Waltham receives more rainfall at 42.6" per year compared to 42.6" in Belmont.