Brookline, MA vs Burlington, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Burlington is 29.9% cheaper than Brookline. With a cost index of 173 vs 225, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Burlington to Brookline should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookline is $2,804/month compared to $2,597/month in Burlington — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Burlington is more affordable at $679,400 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $142,207 in Burlington (-1.1%). Burlington offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookline spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 21.9% in Burlington.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.5°F). Brookline receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 42.6" in Burlington.