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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fremont is 16% more expensive than Cambridge.

$2,905/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↓ 6%
$176,350/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 28%
$1,289,400 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↓ 19%
$3,000/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↓ 12%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Cambridge, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $49,881/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fremont or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Cambridge?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $49,881/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Cambridge details →

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