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

Concord

California
187
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Concord is 22% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,226/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 23%
$109,195/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 16%
$755,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 38%
$2,284/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 15%
124,260
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Concord, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Concord, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $17,274/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Concord is $755,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Concord vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Concord or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Concord is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Concord and Cambridge?
Median rent in Concord is $2,226/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Concord or Cambridge?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $17,274/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Concord or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Concord has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $2,226/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 Concord details → View Cambridge details →

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