Waltham, MA vs Winchester, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waltham is 19.7% cheaper than Winchester. With a cost index of 164 vs 204, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waltham to Winchester should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Waltham is $2,232/month compared to $2,271/month in Winchester — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waltham is more affordable at $705,700 median vs $1,181,700.

Median household income in Waltham is $116,560 compared to $218,176 in Winchester (-46.6%). While Winchester is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Waltham spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, more than the 12.5% in Winchester.