Brookline, MA vs Milton, MA

The cost of living difference between Brookline, MA and Milton, MA is dramatic. Milton is 42.5% cheaper than Brookline, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookline has a cost index of 225 while Milton sits at 158, 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 $1,503/month in Milton — a 87% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Milton is more affordable at $896,500 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $178,053 in Milton (-21%). Milton 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 10.1% in Milton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 49.7°F). Milton receives more rainfall at 53.3" per year compared to 43.6" in Brookline.