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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

College Station is 62% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,168/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 135%
$51,776/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 144%
$326,500 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 219%
$1,251/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 111%
122,280
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,574/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $18,888/year.

Median household income is $74,693/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Cambridge — common questions

Is College Station or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Cambridge?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,574/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $74,693/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to College Station or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View College Station details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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