Laurel, MD vs Waltham, MA

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.

Laurel

66.4

#1547 nationally

vs

Waltham

66.7

#1517 nationally

Waltham leads in crime level (6.9 vs 10.8). Waltham leads in average commute (24.6 min vs 33.5 min). Laurel leads in cost of living index (125 vs 164).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Laurel, MD Waltham, MA
WhereAtHome Score 66.4 (#1547) 66.7 (#1517)
Population 29,400 64,477
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $478,130 $831,292
Median Household Income $92,035 $113,443
Average Commute 33.5 min 24.6 min
Walk Score 53 57
Crime Level 10.8 6.9
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 125 164
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+13.9 D+39.5
Laurel, MD
D
66.4 Score

Laurel, MD

Small Maryland city with local appeal

Median Home

$478,130

Population

29,400

Crime

Moderate-High

Walk Score

53

Northeast View Laurel, MD →
Waltham, MA
D
66.7 Score

Waltham, MA

Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability

Median Home

$831,292

Population

64,477

Crime

Moderate

Walk Score

57

Northeast View Waltham, MA →

Try a different matchup

Swap Laurel for:

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Swap Waltham for:

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