Lawrence, MA vs Medford, MA

The cost of living difference between Lawrence, MA and Medford, MA is dramatic. Lawrence is 31.3% cheaper than Medford, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lawrence has a cost index of 118 while Medford sits at 172, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Lawrence is $1,569/month compared to $2,477/month in Medford — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lawrence is more affordable at $393,500 median vs $715,500.

Median household income in Lawrence is $57,903 compared to $118,089 in Medford (-51%). While Medford is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lawrence spend roughly 32.5% of their income on rent, more than the 25.2% in Medford. The Medford ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

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