Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Boston is 26% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,093/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 31%
$94,755/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 33%
$710,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 46%
$2,176/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 21%
663,972
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Boston, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $31,714/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Boston or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Boston is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Cambridge?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Cambridge?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $31,714/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Cambridge details →

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