City Comparison
Malden vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Malden scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Malden
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in Malden.
Housing costs are a major driver: Malden's average rent is
66% higher than Dallas's.
| Metric | Malden | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,350 | $1,412 | +66% |
| Groceries | $460 | $450 | +2% |
| Utilities | $185 | $281 | -34% |
| Transport | $110 | $126 | -13% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $135 | +93% |
| Monthly Total | $3,365 | $2,404 | +40% |
| Cost Index | 138 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Malden offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Malden is estimated at
$68,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Malden | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $68,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,174 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $100,606 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Malden runs warmer on average — a 50.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Malden comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Malden sees 25.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Malden | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 25.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Dallas has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Malden.
Dallas 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 | Malden | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 53.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 73.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dallas 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 | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,452 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.12% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.30% |
| 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.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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
Dallas
#525Texas, USA
50.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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