Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Austin is 44% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,655/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 66%
$91,461/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 38%
$512,700 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 103%
$1,747/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 51%
967,862
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,087/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $13,044/year.

Median household income is $35,008/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Austin or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Cambridge?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,087/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Cambridge?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $35,008/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Cambridge details →

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