City Comparison
Lynn vs Malden
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lynn scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lynn
Malden
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Lynn | Malden | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,450 | $2,350 | +4% |
| Groceries | $400 | $460 | -13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $185 | -3% |
| Transport | $90 | $110 | -18% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $260 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $3,350 | $3,365 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 138 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lynn offers 4% 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 $68,000 in Malden.
| Metric | Lynn | Malden |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,043 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $68,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,484 idx | 52,174 idx |
| Household Income | $75,043 | $100,606 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.40000000000001°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Lynn sees 0.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lynn | Malden |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.30°F | 50.70°F |
| Summer High | 77.80°F | 79.90°F |
| Winter Low | 21.20°F | 20.40°F |
| Rainfall | 41.10 in | 38.90 in |
| Snowfall | 26.40 in | 25.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 245 | 249 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Malden scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Malden leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lynn | Malden |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 53.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 73.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lynn is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Malden.
From a growth perspective, Lynn 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 | Lynn | Malden |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 104,236 | 66,452 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.64% | 0.12% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 3.60% |
| 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
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.
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
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
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