Brookline, MA vs Cambridge, MA

Cambridge is moderately more affordable than Brookline, with a 8.5% lower cost of living index. Brookline scores 225 compared to 207 for Cambridge, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Brookline can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookline is $2,804/month compared to $2,742/month in Cambridge — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cambridge is more affordable at $1,040,500 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $126,469 in Cambridge (+11.2%). While Brookline is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookline spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, less than the 26% in Cambridge.

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