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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Cambridge is 37% more expensive than Murrieta.

$2,742/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↓ 15%
$126,469/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 13%
$1,040,500 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 42%
$2,634/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↓ 10%
117,794
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Murrieta, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $16,689/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Cambridge or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Murrieta?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Murrieta?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $16,689/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Murrieta details →

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