Brookline, MA vs Gardner, MA

The cost of living difference between Brookline, MA and Gardner, MA is dramatic. Gardner is 147.6% cheaper than Brookline, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookline has a cost index of 225 while Gardner sits at 91, 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 $1,071/month in Gardner — a 162% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gardner is more affordable at $271,300 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $62,948 in Gardner (+123.4%). The higher salaries in Brookline partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookline spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 20.4% in Gardner.

Climate-wise, Brookline is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.9°F in Gardner. Brookline receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 43.4" in Gardner.