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

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Palo Alto or is it cheaper to live in Waltham?
- Palo Alto is 59.6% more expensive than Waltham.

Which city has more affordable housing, Palo Alto or Waltham?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 370.8% more expensive than Waltham housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Waltham or is Health Care more affordable in Palo Alto.
- Health related expenses are 20.7% more in Palo Alto.
 Waltham, MAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock231.0100
 Food & Groceries112.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock107.7100
 Housing242.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$3,107,600$338,100
 Utilities120  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock140.6100
 Miscellaneous177.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Waltham

Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Very  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palo Alto


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.