Question 1

Is Malden, MA or Waltham, MA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Malden, MA is cheaper. The median home price in Malden, MA is approximately $570,600 and in Waltham, MA it is approximately $677,700 — a difference of $107,100.

Question 2

Is Malden, MA or Waltham, MA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Malden, MA is more walkable. Malden, MA has a Walk Score of 63/100 and Waltham, MA has a Walk Score of 9/100.

Question 3

Which has better schools, Malden, MA or Waltham, MA?

Accepted Answer

Waltham, MA has higher-rated schools. Malden, MA has a school rating of 7.3/10 and Waltham, MA has a rating of 7.9/10.

Question 4

Should I live in Malden, MA or Waltham, MA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Malden, MA	Waltham, MA
Housing
Verdict	Good for now	Good for now
Median Price	$571K ✓ Lower price	$678K
Median Rent	$2K ✓ Lower rent	$2K
Median Income	$90K	$118K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	63/100 ✓ More walkable	9/100
Transit Score	48/100 ✓ Better transit	17/100
Bike Score	25/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	13 min ✓ Shorter commute	27 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Good ✓ Cleaner air
Community
Schools	7.3/10	7.9/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	commutersfamiliesyoung professionals	commuters to Bostonfamilies seeking strong schoolsmiddle to upper income households

Malden, MA vs Waltham, MA

Bottom line