Gardner, MA vs Plymouth, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Gardner is 27.5% cheaper than Plymouth. With a cost index of 91 vs 125, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Gardner to Plymouth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gardner is $1,071/month compared to $1,701/month in Plymouth — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gardner is more affordable at $271,300 median vs $426,000.

Median household income in Gardner is $62,948 compared to $72,639 in Plymouth (-13.3%). Plymouth does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Gardner spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, less than the 28.1% in Plymouth.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.9°F vs 50°F). Plymouth receives more rainfall at 48" per year compared to 43.4" in Gardner.