Gloucester, MA vs Waltham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Gloucester is 21.3% cheaper than Waltham. With a cost index of 129 vs 164, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Gloucester to Waltham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gloucester is $1,395/month compared to $2,232/month in Waltham — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gloucester is more affordable at $587,800 median vs $705,700.

Median household income in Gloucester is $87,898 compared to $116,560 in Waltham (-24.6%). While Waltham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gloucester spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 23% in Waltham.

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