Malden, MA vs Saugus, MA

Malden, MA and Saugus, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Malden scores 151 while Saugus scores 147 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Malden is $2,066/month compared to $1,982/month in Saugus — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Saugus is more affordable at $589,500 median vs $607,500.

Median household income in Malden is $95,298 compared to $100,819 in Saugus (-5.5%). Saugus offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Malden spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 23.6% in Saugus.

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