Haverhill, MA vs Melrose, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Haverhill is 24.5% cheaper than Melrose. With a cost index of 123 vs 163, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Haverhill to Melrose should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Haverhill is $1,620/month compared to $1,933/month in Melrose — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Haverhill is more affordable at $426,900 median vs $796,100.

Median household income in Haverhill is $87,675 compared to $126,854 in Melrose (-30.9%). While Melrose is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Haverhill spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Melrose.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.1°F vs 51.9°F). Melrose receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 40.9" in Haverhill.