Brookline, MA vs Lawrence, MA

The cost of living difference between Brookline, MA and Lawrence, MA is dramatic. Lawrence is 89.7% cheaper than Brookline, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookline has a cost index of 225 while Lawrence sits at 118, 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 $1,569/month in Lawrence — a 79% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lawrence is more affordable at $393,500 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $57,903 in Lawrence (+142.9%). 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 32.5% in Lawrence. The Brookline ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.1°F). Brookline receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 40.9" in Lawrence.