Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Cambridge is 292% more expensive than Peoria.

$2,742/mo ↑ 188%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 65%
$126,469/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 54%
$1,040,500 ↑ 596%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 86%
$2,634/mo ↑ 162%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 62%
117,794
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,791/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $21,492/year.

Median household income is $67,753/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Peoria — common questions

Is Cambridge or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Peoria?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $1,791/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Peoria?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $67,753/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Peoria

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo