Lawrence, MA vs Needham, MA

The cost of living difference between Lawrence, MA and Needham, MA is dramatic. Lawrence is 42.4% cheaper than Needham, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lawrence has a cost index of 118 while Needham sits at 206, 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 $2,412/month in Needham — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lawrence is more affordable at $393,500 median vs $1,146,000.

Median household income in Lawrence is $57,903 compared to $212,241 in Needham (-72.7%). While Needham 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 13.6% in Needham. The Needham 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 52°F). Needham receives more rainfall at 43.9" per year compared to 40.9" in Lawrence.