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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Richmond

California
161

Cambridge is 48% more expensive than Richmond.

$2,742/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↓ 31%
$126,469/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 29%
$1,040,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 38%
$2,634/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↓ 24%
117,794
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $36,431/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Richmond — common questions

Is Cambridge or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Richmond?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Richmond?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $36,431/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Richmond

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell