Brookline, MA vs Needham, MA

Needham is moderately more affordable than Brookline, with a 9.2% lower cost of living index. Brookline scores 225 compared to 206 for Needham, 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 $2,412/month in Needham — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Needham is more affordable at $1,146,000 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $212,241 in Needham (-33.7%). Needham 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 13.6% in Needham.

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