Framingham, MA vs Wakefield, MA

Framingham, MA and Wakefield, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Framingham scores 144 while Wakefield scores 150 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Framingham is $1,853/month compared to $1,872/month in Wakefield — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Framingham is more affordable at $600,600 median vs $670,100.

Median household income in Framingham is $98,179 compared to $130,320 in Wakefield (-24.7%). While Wakefield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Framingham spend roughly 22.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Wakefield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.5°F vs 49.9°F). Wakefield receives more rainfall at 44.9" per year compared to 42.6" in Framingham.