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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Ventura

California
183

Cambridge is 31% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,742/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 23%
$126,469/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 21%
$1,040,500 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 25%
$2,634/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 20%
117,794
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $26,062/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Ventura — common questions

Is Cambridge or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Ventura?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Ventura?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $26,062/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cambridge details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Ventura

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland Ventura vs. Temecula Ventura vs. Santa Maria Ventura vs. Costa Mesa Ventura vs. Sugar Land Ventura vs. Everett Ventura vs. Greeley