Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Cambridge is 134% more expensive than Provo.

$2,742/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 58%
$126,469/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 50%
$1,040,500 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$437,100 ↓ 58%
$2,634/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 54%
117,794
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,590/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $19,080/year.

Median household income is $63,669/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Provo — common questions

Is Cambridge or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Provo?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $1,590/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Provo?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $63,669/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Utah?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Cambridge or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Provo details →

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