Malden is a city of about 66,000 people about five miles north of downtown Boston, with two Orange Line stations, a busy downtown, and housing that costs less than many cities closer to Boston. It is a smart choice for renters and first-time buyers who want a direct train into the city at a lower price than Somerville, Cambridge, or Medford. The median home value is about $633,500 and median rent is about $2,204 a month. To make the move easy, look for a place near Malden Center or Oak Grove if you will ride the T, book ahead for end-of-month dates, and plan for older two and three-family homes with steep stairs.
Stark Moving and Storage is based in the Boston area and moves households into Malden, Medford, Everett, and the rest of greater Boston. We handle apartment moves, family moves, packing, and storage. This guide covers the cost of living, best neighborhoods, schools, safety, and the moving tips you need for Malden.
Malden by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s Malden QuickFacts:
| Measure | Malden |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 66,370 |
| Median household income | About $100,606 |
| Median home value | About $633,500 |
| Median rent | About $2,204 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 41 percent |
| Average commute | About 34 minutes |
Why People Move to Malden
Two Orange Line Stations
Malden Center and Oak Grove put downtown Boston within a short ride. Malden Center also has commuter rail service on the Haverhill line.
Lower Rent Than Closer-In Cities
Malden’s rents and home prices sit below Somerville and Medford. If you are comparing in-city options too, our guide to affordable Boston neighborhoods covers them.
Food and Culture
Malden is home to large immigrant communities, and the downtown area has some of the best Asian restaurants and bakeries north of Boston.
Parks
Pine Banks Park, Fellsmere Park, and the edge of the Middlesex Fells give Malden more green space than many people expect.
Best Neighborhoods in Malden
| Neighborhood | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malden Center | Downtown, Orange Line, new apartments | Elevators, building rules |
| Oak Grove | Northern end, near the Orange Line terminal | Mix of homes and apartments |
| Edgeworth | Close to Medford, residential | Two-family homes |
| Maplewood | East side, quieter streets | Driveways more common |
| Linden | Near Revere and Saugus, residential | Single-family homes |
| West End | Near Pine Banks and Fellsmere Park | Hilly, older homes |
Cost of Living in Malden
The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for Middlesex County, which includes Malden:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $28,402 |
| Food, one adult | $5,118 |
| Transportation, one adult | $8,013 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $70,707 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $176,193 |
Malden’s median rent is below many Middlesex County cities, so many residents spend less on housing than the county average. Our guide to the Boston cost of living gives a useful comparison.
Weather in Malden
| Measure | Malden | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 82 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 19 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 48 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 48 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 198 | 205 |
These BestPlaces averages mean real winters. Snow emergencies can limit street parking, so check the forecast for a winter move.
Schools in Malden
Malden Public Schools serves about 6,350 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1. Niche gives the district an overall grade of B. Malden High School is the city’s public high school, and the district runs several K-8 schools.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Malden | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 2.9 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 11.7 | About 18 |
Both rates are below the national median. Areas near busy stations see more activity, so visit at night before you sign.
Planning Your Move to Malden
Lease Dates
Many Malden leases start on the first of the month, and September 1 is the busiest. Our guide to September 1 moving explains how to avoid the worst of it.
Stairs and Access
Much of Malden’s housing is older two and three-family homes. Expect narrow stairs, tight turns, and porches.
Tip: In a building near Malden Center, book the freight elevator the day you sign. End-of-month slots fill fast.
Parking
Ask your landlord or the city about temporary parking for the truck if your street has resident restrictions.
Pros and Cons of Living in Malden
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two Orange Line stations | Long average commute times |
| Lower rent than Somerville or Medford | Older homes with steep stairs |
| Great food scene downtown | Busy traffic on main roads |
| Crime below the national median | Schools rated below top suburbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malden, MA a good place to live?
For many people, yes. Malden has two Orange Line stations, rents below Somerville and Medford, and one of the best food scenes north of Boston. The trade-offs are older housing and longer average commutes.
How far is Malden from Boston?
Malden is about five miles north of downtown Boston. The Orange Line runs from Malden Center and Oak Grove into the city, and the commuter rail also stops at Malden Center.
Is Malden safe?
NeighborhoodScout puts Malden’s violent crime rate at about 2.9 per 1,000 residents and property crime at about 11.7, both below the national median. Conditions vary by street, so visit at night before you sign.
How much is rent in Malden?
The Census Bureau puts Malden’s median gross rent at about $2,204 a month. Newer buildings near Malden Center often cost more, while units in older two-family homes can cost less.
Which T stations are in Malden?
Malden has two Orange Line stations, Malden Center and Oak Grove. Malden Center also has commuter rail service on the Haverhill line to North Station.
Is Malden cheaper than Medford?
Generally, yes. Malden’s median rent of about $2,204 and median home value of about $633,500 are both lower than Medford’s. That makes it a popular choice for renters and first-time buyers.
Hire Trusted Movers in Malden, MA
If you are deciding between Malden and its neighbors, our guides to moving to Medford and moving to Somerville cover two nearby options. When you are ready to book, our movers in Malden know the city’s two-family homes, tight streets, and busy end-of-month lease dates.
Stark Moving and Storage handles local and long distance moves, packing and unpacking, storage, crating, and piano and fine art moving across greater Boston, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Washington DC. We are BBB accredited and work on honesty, transparency, and efficiency. Call (866) 656-6028 for an estimate on your move to Malden.