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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Cambridge is 188% more expensive than Odessa.

$2,742/mo ↑ 107%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 52%
$126,469/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 42%
$1,040,500 ↑ 400%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 80%
$2,634/mo ↑ 111%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 53%
117,794
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,420/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $17,040/year.

Median household income is $53,439/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Odessa — common questions

Is Cambridge or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Odessa?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $1,420/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Odessa?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $53,439/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Odessa

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham