2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Waltham, MA vs Lafayette, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Lafayette or is it cheaper to live in Waltham?
- Lafayette is 20.9% more expensive than Waltham.

Which city has more affordable housing, Lafayette or Waltham?
- Lafayette housing costs are 139.9% more expensive than Waltham housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Waltham or is Health Care more affordable in Lafayette.
- Health related expenses are 35.8% more in Lafayette.
 Waltham, MALafayette, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock174.9100
 Food & Groceries112.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock121.1100
 Housing242.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,767,400$338,100
 Utilities120  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock123.8100
 Miscellaneous177.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Waltham    2 Reviews

Over 15 years ago

My husband and I moved from west of Worcester to Waltham a few months ago and are really enjoying life here. We're situated in an apartment close to Moody Street and  More

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Waltham is home to two well respected colleges/universities: Bentley and Brandeis. That, however, is not all. For within half an hour or so, by commuter train or car,  More

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Reviews for Lafayette    4 Reviews

Over 14 years ago

Living in Lafayette is wonderful, if you can afford it! The rolling hills, the great schools and the climate make this a great place to  More

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Great place to raise kids, nice restaurants and some good stores. A bit sparse on things like theaters etc. Weather in Summer is HOT HOT HOT. Bring sunblock and  More

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Over 18 years ago

Summers are too cool due to marine  More

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