Cambridge, MA vs Malden, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Malden, MA is dramatic. Malden is 37.1% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Malden sits at 151, 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 Cambridge is $2,742/month compared to $2,066/month in Malden — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malden is more affordable at $607,500 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $95,298 in Malden (+32.7%). The higher salaries in Cambridge partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, less than the 26% in Malden.

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