Lawrence, MA vs Wellesley, MA

The cost of living difference between Lawrence, MA and Wellesley, MA is dramatic. Lawrence is 52.4% cheaper than Wellesley, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lawrence has a cost index of 118 while Wellesley sits at 249, 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 $2,849/month in Wellesley — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lawrence is more affordable at $393,500 median vs $1,513,400.

Median household income in Lawrence is $57,903 compared to $250,001 in Wellesley (-76.8%). While Wellesley 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 13.7% in Wellesley. The Wellesley 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). Wellesley receives more rainfall at 43.9" per year compared to 40.9" in Lawrence.