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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Berkeley is 5% more expensive than Cambridge.

$2,127/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 29%
$108,558/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 16%
$1,351,100 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↓ 23%
$2,340/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 13%
120,223
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Berkeley, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $17,911/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Berkeley or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Cambridge?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Cambridge?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $17,911/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 Berkeley or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Cambridge details →

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