Melrose, MA vs Rutherford, NJ
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.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Rutherford
70.7
#1075 nationally
Rutherford leads in crime level (1.6 vs 2.8). Rutherford leads in cost of living index (146 vs 167). Rutherford leads in average commute (33.5 min vs 37.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Melrose, MA | Rutherford, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1438) | 70.7 (#1075) |
| Population | 29,357 | 18,852 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $930,823 | $767,911 |
| Median Household Income | $126,305 | $128,576 |
| Average Commute | 37.1 min | 33.5 min |
| Walk Score | 62 | 67 |
| Crime Level | 2.8 | 1.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 167 | 146 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+3.4 |
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →
C-
70.7 Score
Rutherford, NJ
Small New Jersey city with local appeal
Median Home
$767,911
Population
18,852
Crime
Low
Walk Score
67
Northeast
View Rutherford, NJ →