Needham, MA vs Waltham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waltham is 25.3% cheaper than Needham. With a cost index of 164 vs 206, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waltham to Needham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Needham is $2,412/month compared to $2,232/month in Waltham — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waltham is more affordable at $705,700 median vs $1,146,000.

Median household income in Needham is $212,241 compared to $116,560 in Waltham (+82.1%). While Needham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Needham spend roughly 13.6% of their income on rent, less than the 23% in Waltham.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52°F vs 50.5°F). Needham receives more rainfall at 43.9" per year compared to 42.6" in Waltham.