Brookline, MA vs Dedham, MA

The cost of living difference between Brookline, MA and Dedham, MA is dramatic. Dedham is 47.2% cheaper than Brookline, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookline has a cost index of 225 while Dedham sits at 153, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookline is $2,804/month compared to $2,058/month in Dedham — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dedham is more affordable at $630,400 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $124,375 in Dedham (+13.1%). Brookline does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookline spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 19.9% in Dedham.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 52°F). Dedham receives more rainfall at 43.9" per year compared to 43.6" in Brookline.