Newton, MA vs Westfield, MA

The cost of living difference between Newton, MA and Westfield, MA is dramatic. Westfield is 130.8% cheaper than Newton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Newton has a cost index of 210 while Westfield sits at 91, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Newton is $2,388/month compared to $1,064/month in Westfield — a 124% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Westfield is more affordable at $295,500 median vs $1,202,500.

Median household income in Newton is $184,989 compared to $82,847 in Westfield (+123.3%). The higher salaries in Newton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Newton spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15.4% in Westfield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.7°F vs 49.4°F). Newton receives more rainfall at 53.3" per year compared to 45.2" in Westfield.