City Comparison
Malden vs Boston
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Malden scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Malden
Boston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Malden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Boston.
| Metric | Malden | Boston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,350 | $2,400 | -2% |
| Groceries | $460 | $450 | +2% |
| Utilities | $185 | $180 | +3% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $250 | +4% |
| Monthly Total | $3,365 | $3,400 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 138 | 150 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Malden offers 2% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Malden delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Malden is estimated at
$68,000 vs $75,000 in Boston.
| Metric | Malden | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $70,513 |
| Salary Needed | $68,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,174 idx | 47,009 idx |
| Household Income | $100,606 | $97,791 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.3°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Malden sees 0.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Malden | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.70°F | 51.00°F |
| Summer High | 79.90°F | 80.50°F |
| Winter Low | 20.40°F | 20.60°F |
| Rainfall | 38.90 in | 40.20 in |
| Snowfall | 25.90 in | 25.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | 250 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Boston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Boston leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Malden | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 53.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Walkability | 73.0/100 | 75.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Boston is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Malden.
From a growth perspective, Boston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Malden has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Malden | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,452 | 675,647 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.12% | 0.17% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 33.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Malden
Advantages
Median household income in Malden has risen to $100,606 per U.S. Census Bureau data, reflecting a strong local economy.
Direct MBTA Orange Line subway access at Malden Center and Oak Grove stations provides a rapid commute into downtown Boston.
Malden achieves a strong Walk Score of 73, making its central district very walkable for daily errands.
A celebrated and diverse culinary scene featuring rich international dining options downtown.
More accessible real estate entry points compared to immediate neighbors like Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.
Drawbacks
Housing market competition is fierce, with typical home values elevated around $680,000.
Cost of living index sits well above the national average, driven primarily by housing and energy costs.
Parking and street congestion can be challenging during peak commuting hours in densely populated sectors.
Bike infrastructure is still developing, reflected in a moderate Bike Score of 49.
Property tax adjustments and regional inflation continue to pressure local household budgets.
Boston
Advantages
Boston is recognized as a top city for healthcare, with world-class hospitals and medical facilities.
The city is a global hub for innovation, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences, attracting significant venture capital funding.
Boston offers a rich historical and cultural landscape, with numerous landmarks and a vibrant arts scene.
It is a leading center for higher education, home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, which contribute to a highly educated workforce.
Boston has a strong public transit system, the MBTA, offering subway, bus, and commuter rail services, alongside high walkability scores in many neighborhoods.
Drawbacks
Boston has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Traffic congestion and parking difficulties can make driving in the city challenging.
The cost of healthcare, while high quality, is also among the most expensive in the nation.
Public transportation, while extensive, can face issues with reliability and service disruptions.
Winter weather in Boston can be severe, with cold temperatures, significant snowfall, and icy conditions.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Malden
#509Massachusetts, USA
52.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,350
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
138
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
53.0/100
Walkability
73.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
50.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.12%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
77
Business
71
Boston
#582Massachusetts, USA
45.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,400
Avg Salary
$70,513
Cost Index
150
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
70.0/100
Walkability
75.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.17%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
79
Business
75
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