City Comparison
Newton vs Boston
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Newton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Newton
Boston
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Boston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Newton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Newton's average rent is
19% higher than Boston's.
| Metric | Newton | Boston | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,850 | $2,400 | +19% |
| Groceries | $520 | $450 | +16% |
| Utilities | $210 | $180 | +17% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $3,930 | $3,400 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 158 | 150 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Newton offers 30% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Newton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Newton is estimated at
$78,000 vs $75,000 in Boston.
| Metric | Newton | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $92,000 | $70,513 |
| Salary Needed | $78,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,228 idx | 47,009 idx |
| Household Income | $160,411 | $97,791 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.3°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Newton sees 1.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Newton | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.70°F | 51.00°F |
| Summer High | 80.80°F | 80.50°F |
| Winter Low | 19.60°F | 20.60°F |
| Rainfall | 40.50 in | 40.20 in |
| Snowfall | 26.40 in | 25.00 in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | 250 |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 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 | Newton | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 70.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 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 Newton.
From a growth perspective, Newton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Newton | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,287 | 675,647 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.17% |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 33.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 4.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Newton
Advantages
Newton Public Schools consistently rank among the top-performing school districts in Massachusetts.
Exceptional public safety with violent and property crime rates well below the national average.
Unmatched geographic convenience with direct MBTA rail access and proximity to downtown Boston.
Abundant green spaces, parks, and recreational bodies of water like Crystal Lake and Hammond Pond.
Thriving local village centers offering boutique shopping, diverse dining, and active community life.
Drawbacks
Significantly high cost of living and median home purchase prices exceeding one million dollars.
Heavy rush hour traffic congestion along major commuter corridors like I-90 and Route 128.
High property tax burdens associated with funding top-tier municipal services and schools.
Fiercely competitive housing market with limited rental and starter-home inventory.
Strict zoning and historic preservation regulations can make residential renovations challenging.
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.
Newton
#334Massachusetts, USA
60.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,850
Avg Salary
$92,000
Cost Index
158
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
50.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
92
Business
82
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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