Melrose, MA vs Nantucket, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose is 27.4% cheaper than Nantucket. With a cost index of 163 vs 224, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose to Nantucket should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $1,933/month compared to $2,484/month in Nantucket — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $796,100 median vs $1,359,200.

Median household income in Melrose is $126,854 compared to $109,988 in Nantucket (+15.3%). Melrose offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Melrose spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 27.1% in Nantucket.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.7°F). Melrose receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 40.9" in Nantucket.