Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Cambridge is 203% more expensive than Dearborn.

$2,742/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 54%
$126,469/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 48%
$1,040,500 ↑ 405%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 80%
$2,634/mo ↑ 124%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 55%
117,794
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,478/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $17,736/year.

Median household income is $61,277/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Cambridge or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Dearborn?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $1,478/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Dearborn?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $61,277/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Dearborn details →

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