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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Elk Grove is 30% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,180/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 26%
$122,229/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 3%
$603,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 72%
$2,227/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 18%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Elk Grove, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $4,240/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Cambridge?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Cambridge?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $4,240/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 Elk Grove or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Cambridge details →

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