Lynn, MA vs Salem, MA

Lynn is moderately more affordable than Salem, with a 5.8% lower cost of living index. Lynn scores 126 compared to 134 for Salem, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Salem can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Lynn is $1,612/month compared to $1,800/month in Salem — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lynn is more affordable at $472,600 median vs $497,400.

Median household income in Lynn is $74,715 compared to $85,137 in Salem (-12.2%). While Salem is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lynn spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, more than the 25.4% in Salem.

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