Maynard, MA vs Melrose, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Maynard is 20% cheaper than Melrose. With a cost index of 130 vs 163, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Maynard to Melrose should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Maynard is $1,678/month compared to $1,933/month in Melrose — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Maynard is more affordable at $494,200 median vs $796,100.

Median household income in Maynard is $119,549 compared to $126,854 in Melrose (-5.8%). Melrose does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Maynard spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in Melrose.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.5°F vs 51.9°F). Melrose receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 42.6" in Maynard.