Medford, MA vs Wilmington, MA

Medford, MA and Wilmington, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.6% difference in their overall index. Medford scores 172 while Wilmington scores 165 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 Medford is $2,477/month compared to $2,412/month in Wilmington — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilmington is more affordable at $646,200 median vs $715,500.

Median household income in Medford is $118,089 compared to $161,473 in Wilmington (-26.9%). Wilmington offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Medford spend roughly 25.2% of their income on rent, more than the 17.9% in Wilmington.

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