Brewster, MA vs Ipswich, MA

Brewster, MA and Ipswich, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4% difference in their overall index. Brewster scores 135 while Ipswich scores 130 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brewster is $1,316/month compared to $1,456/month in Ipswich — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Brewster has cheaper rent, Ipswich actually has lower median home values ($570,500 vs $702,000).

Median household income in Brewster is $75,481 compared to $92,969 in Ipswich (-18.8%). Ipswich offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Brewster spend roughly 20.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in Ipswich.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.9°F vs 49.9°F). Brewster receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 44.9" in Ipswich.