Haverhill, MA vs Wakefield, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Haverhill is 18.3% cheaper than Wakefield. With a cost index of 123 vs 150, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Haverhill to Wakefield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Haverhill is $1,620/month compared to $1,872/month in Wakefield — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Haverhill is more affordable at $426,900 median vs $670,100.

Median household income in Haverhill is $87,675 compared to $130,320 in Wakefield (-32.7%). 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 Haverhill spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, more than the 17.2% in Wakefield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.1°F vs 49.9°F). Wakefield receives more rainfall at 44.9" per year compared to 40.9" in Haverhill.