City Comparison
Malden vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Malden scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Malden
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grants Pass is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Malden.
Housing costs are a major driver: Malden's average rent is
62% higher than Grants Pass's.
| Metric | Malden | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,350 | $1,450 | +62% |
| Groceries | $460 | $450 | +2% |
| Utilities | $185 | $400 | -54% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $150 | +73% |
| Monthly Total | $3,365 | $2,570 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 138 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Malden offers 12% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Malden is estimated at
$68,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Malden | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $68,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,174 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $100,606 | $59,646 |
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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Malden.
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 | Malden | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 53.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 73.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Malden is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Grants Pass.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass 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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,452 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.12% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 5.60% |
| 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.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
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
Grants Pass
#584Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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