Boston, MA vs Malden, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
Malden has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | Malden | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 143 | Malden |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 174 ($1,446) | Malden |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Malden |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 128 ($525) | Boston |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 137 ($313) | Malden |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 137 ($226) | Malden |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 131 ($63,590) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston, MA or Malden, MA cheaper to live in?
Malden, MA is cheaper overall by about 15 index points (Boston, MA: 158, Malden, MA: 143; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs Malden, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $50,050/year in Malden, MA to cover basic living costs.