Brockton, MA vs Waltham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brockton is 27.7% cheaper than Waltham. With a cost index of 119 vs 164, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brockton to Waltham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brockton is $1,545/month compared to $2,232/month in Waltham — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brockton is more affordable at $405,500 median vs $705,700.

Median household income in Brockton is $77,089 compared to $116,560 in Waltham (-33.9%). While Waltham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brockton spend roughly 24.1% of their income on rent, more than the 23% in Waltham.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 50.5°F). Brockton receives more rainfall at 53.3" per year compared to 42.6" in Waltham.