Boston, MA vs Medford, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
Boston has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | Medford | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 164 | Boston |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 205 ($1,734) | Boston |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Medford |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 158 ($648) | Boston |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 153 ($369) | Boston |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 153 ($267) | Boston |
| 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 Medford, MA cheaper to live in?
Boston, MA is cheaper overall by about 6 index points (Boston, MA: 158, Medford, MA: 164; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs Medford, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $57,400/year in Medford, MA to cover basic living costs.