Boston, MA vs Newton, MA

Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.

Score Snapshot

No universal winner

Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.

Boston

66.2

#1568 nationally

vs

Newton

69.4

#1220 nationally

Newton leads in median household income ($176,373 vs $81,744). Boston leads in walk score (83 vs 57). Boston leads in cost of living index (155 vs 207).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Boston, MA Newton, MA
WhereAtHome Score 66.2 (#1568) 69.4 (#1220)
Population 684,379 88,415
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $787,763 $1,540,226
Median Household Income $81,744 $176,373
Average Commute 30.2 min 27.1 min
Walk Score 83 57
Crime Level Moderate 1.3
School Rating 7.2 N/A
Cost of Living Index 155 207
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+52.5 D+39.5
Boston, MA
D
66.2 Score

Boston, MA

Innovation hub with historic charm

Median Home

$787,763

Population

684,379

Crime

Moderate

Schools

B

Northeast View Boston, MA →
Newton, MA
D+
69.4 Score

Newton, MA

Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$1,540,226

Population

88,415

Crime

Very Low

Walk Score

57

Northeast View Newton, MA →

Try a different matchup

Swap Boston for:

Somerville, MA vs Newton Cambridge, MA vs Newton Chelsea, MA vs Newton Everett, MA vs Newton Revere, MA vs Newton

Swap Newton for:

Cambridge, MA vs Boston Waltham, MA vs Boston Somerville, MA vs Boston Medford, MA vs Boston Everett, MA vs Boston

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