Brookline, MA vs Wilmington, MA

The cost of living difference between Brookline, MA and Wilmington, MA is dramatic. Wilmington is 36.4% cheaper than Brookline, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookline has a cost index of 225 while Wilmington sits at 165, 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 $2,412/month in Wilmington — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilmington is more affordable at $646,200 median vs $1,233,100.

Median household income in Brookline is $140,631 compared to $161,473 in Wilmington (-12.9%). Wilmington 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 17.9% in Wilmington.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.5°F). Brookline receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 42.6" in Wilmington.