Burlington, MA vs Framingham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Framingham is 20.1% cheaper than Burlington. With a cost index of 144 vs 173, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Framingham to Burlington should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Burlington is $2,597/month compared to $1,853/month in Framingham — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Framingham is more affordable at $600,600 median vs $679,400.

Median household income in Burlington is $142,207 compared to $98,179 in Framingham (+44.8%). While Burlington is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Burlington spend roughly 21.9% of their income on rent, less than the 22.6% in Framingham.

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