Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Cambridge is 121% more expensive than Brandon.

$2,742/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 38%
$126,469/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 39%
$1,040,500 ↑ 254%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 72%
$2,634/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 41%
117,794
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $49,401/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Brandon — common questions

Is Cambridge or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Brandon?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $1,051/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Brandon?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $49,401/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Brandon details →

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