Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Anaheim is 57% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,082/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 32%
$90,583/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 40%
$771,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 35%
$2,165/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 22%
344,553
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $660/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $7,920/year.

Median household income is $35,886/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Anaheim or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Cambridge?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $660/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Cambridge?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $35,886/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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