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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Cambridge is 74% more expensive than Allen.

$2,742/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 32%
$126,469/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 2%
$1,040,500 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 59%
$2,634/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 21%
117,794
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $865/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $10,380/year.

Median household income is $2,661/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Allen — common questions

Is Cambridge or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Allen?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $865/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Allen?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $2,661/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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