Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Arvada is 36% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,802/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 52%
$113,396/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 12%
$600,800 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 73%
$1,948/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 35%
122,835
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $940/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $11,280/year.

Median household income is $13,073/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Arvada or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Cambridge?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $940/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Cambridge?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $13,073/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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.
View Arvada details → View Cambridge details →

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