Brockton vs Burlington: Schools, Suburbs & Raising Kids (2026)

Brockton and Burlington are two Massachusetts cities that often get compared when it comes to raising a family. While both cities have their perks, they also have distinct differences that can make one more suitable for your needs than the other. In this comparison, we'll dive into the cost of living, job market, neighborhoods, safety, schools, and lifestyle of both Brockton and Burlington to help you decide which city is the best fit for you and your family.Both cities are located within commuting distance to Boston, making them attractive options for those who work in the city but want to raise their families in a more suburban environment. However, the commute times and costs can vary significantly depending on the specific location within each city. For example, the commute from Brockton to Boston can take around 45 minutes by car, while the commute from Burlington can take around 30 minutes. On the other hand, Brockton has a more extensive public transportation system, with multiple bus routes and a commuter rail line, while Burlington is more car-dependent.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Brockton and Burlington can vary significantly. The median home price in Brockton is around $430,000, while in Burlington it's around $640,000. Rent prices also differ, with the average rent in Brockton ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 per month for a 3-bedroom apartment, while in Burlington it ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 per month. Here's a comparison table to help you visualize the costs:

Category	Brockton	Burlington
Median Home Price	$430,000	$640,000
Median Rent	$2,100	$3,000
Median Household Income	$83,000	$123,000
Cost of Living Index	146.4	174.2

As you can see, Burlington has a higher cost of living, but it also has a higher median household income. Brockton, on the other hand, has more affordable housing options, but the salaries are generally lower.The cost of utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, is similar in both cities, with the average cost ranging from $150 to $300 per month. However, Burlington has a slightly higher property tax rate, with an average effective tax rate of 1.23%, while Brockton's average effective tax rate is 1.17%. This can result in higher property tax bills for homeowners in Burlington.

Job Market & Economy

Both Brockton and Burlington have a diverse economy with major industries in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Brockton is home to companies such as the Brockton Hospital and the Massasoit Community College, while Burlington has companies such as Oracle and IBM. The unemployment rate in Brockton is around 4.5%, while in Burlington it's around 3.2%. The median salary in Brockton is around $55,000, while in Burlington it's around $75,000.Remote work is becoming increasingly popular in both cities, with many companies offering flexible work arrangements. However, Burlington has a stronger presence of tech companies, making it a more attractive option for remote workers in the tech industry. Brockton, on the other hand, has a more established manufacturing sector, with companies such as the Brockton Box Company and the Ward Furniture Company.

Neighborhoods

Both Brockton and Burlington have a range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique character. In Brockton, some popular neighborhoods include the Downtown area, which has a mix of old and new buildings and a vibrant nightlife scene, and the Campello neighborhood, which has a strong sense of community and a variety of family-friendly activities. In Burlington, popular neighborhoods include the Burlington Center, which has a mix of shops, restaurants, and office buildings, and the Lexington Street neighborhood, which has a more suburban feel and is close to the Burlington High School.The prices of homes in these neighborhoods can vary significantly. For example, in Brockton's Downtown area, the median home price is around $380,000, while in Burlington's Burlington Center, the median home price is around $520,000. The walk score, which measures the walkability of a neighborhood, is also higher in Brockton's Downtown area, with a score of 82, compared to Burlington's Burlington Center, which has a score of 64.

Safety

Both Brockton and Burlington are considered safe cities, but they have different crime rates. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Brockton had a higher rate of violent crime in 2020, with 556.6 incidents per 100,000 people, while Burlington had a rate of 146.6 incidents per 100,000 people. However, it's worth noting that crime rates can vary significantly within each city, depending on the specific neighborhood.Some areas to avoid in Brockton include the Montello neighborhood, which has a higher crime rate, and the downtown area at night, which can be prone to noise and disorderly conduct. In Burlington, some areas to avoid include the area around the Burlington Mall, which can be congested and prone to traffic accidents, and the Lexington Street neighborhood at night, which can be poorly lit and have limited foot traffic.

Schools

Both Brockton and Burlington have their own school districts, with a range of schools to choose from. The Brockton Public Schools district has a rating of 6 out of 10, while the Burlington Public Schools district has a rating of 8 out of 10. Some top schools in Brockton include the Brockton High School, which has a rating of 7 out of 10, and the Ashfield Middle School, which has a rating of 6 out of 10. In Burlington, some top schools include the Burlington High School, which has a rating of 9 out of 10, and the Francis Wyman Elementary School, which has a rating of 8 out of 10.Private schools are also an option in both cities, with schools such as the Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton and the Burlington Catholic Elementary School in Burlington. However, the prices of private schools can be steep, with tuition ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year.

Lifestyle & Things to Do

Both Brockton and Burlington have a range of activities and attractions to enjoy. In Brockton, some popular activities include visiting the Brockton Museum of Art, which has a collection of contemporary and modern art, and the D.W. Field Park, which has walking trails, a lake, and plenty of picnic areas. In Burlington, some popular activities include visiting the Burlington Mall, which has over 180 stores and restaurants, and the Mill Pond, which has a playground, a skate park, and plenty of walking trails.The climate in both cities is similar, with cold winters and warm summers. However, Brockton has a slightly higher average temperature, with an average high of 82°F in July and an average low of 24°F in January. Burlington, on the other hand, has a slightly higher average precipitation, with an average of 44 inches of rain per year.

The Verdict

So, which city is the best fit for you and your family? If you're looking for a more affordable option with a strong sense of community, Brockton might be the way to go. The city has a diverse range of neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown area, and a more affordable cost of living. However, if you're looking for a city with a stronger economy, lower crime rates, and better schools, Burlington is the clear winner. The city has a more established tech industry, a higher median household income, and a range of excellent schools to choose from.If you're a family prioritizing schools, Burlington is the clear choice. The city has a highly-rated school district, with several top-rated schools to choose from. However, if you're a remote worker looking for a more affordable option with a shorter commute, Brockton might be the way to go. The city has a more affordable cost of living, a shorter commute to Boston, and a range of neighborhoods to choose from.Get the full data-driven report on any neighborhood at WYLT's neighborhood finder.

See the full data-driven report for Brockton, MA and Burlington, MA.