City Comparison
Lynn vs Boston
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lynn scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lynn
Boston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Lynn is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Boston.
| Metric | Lynn | Boston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,450 | $2,400 | +2% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $3,350 | $3,400 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 150 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lynn offers 6% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lynn delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lynn is estimated at
$65,000 vs $75,000 in Boston.
| Metric | Lynn | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,043 | $70,513 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,484 idx | 47,009 idx |
| Household Income | $75,043 | $97,791 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.7°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Lynn sees 1.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lynn | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.30°F | 51.00°F |
| Summer High | 77.80°F | 80.50°F |
| Winter Low | 21.20°F | 20.60°F |
| Rainfall | 41.10 in | 40.20 in |
| Snowfall | 26.40 in | 25.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 245 | 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 | Lynn | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 75.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Boston is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Lynn.
From a growth perspective, Lynn is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Boston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lynn | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 104,236 | 675,647 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.64% | 0.17% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 33.3 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lynn
Advantages
Median rent of $2,450 offers significant savings compared to Boston's metropolitan averages while remaining close to the coast
MBTA Commuter Rail provides fast under-20-minute direct access from Central Square to Boston's North Station
Lynn Woods Reservation offers 2,200 acres of pristine public forest, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation
Exceptionally diverse cultural scene featuring authentic global cuisine and vibrant public street art festivals
Proximity to major employment anchors including GE Aerospace and regional healthcare networks
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living tracks roughly 8% above the national average due to regional housing pressures
Traffic congestion along major commuter arteries like Route 1A can cause heavy delays during peak hours
Property crime and localized urban safety challenges require ongoing municipal and police intervention
portions of the housing stock are older and may require significant maintenance or energy retrofitting
Public school performance metrics have historically faced challenges typical of urban Gateway Cities
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.
Lynn
#499Massachusetts, USA
52.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,450
Avg Salary
$75,043
Cost Index
108
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
245/yr
Avg Temp
50.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.64%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
74
Business
70
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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