Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Hampton is 63% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,346/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 104%
$67,758/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 87%
$234,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 344%
$1,347/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 96%
137,334
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,396/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $16,752/year.

Median household income is $58,711/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Hampton or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Cambridge?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,396/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Cambridge?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $58,711/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Cambridge details →

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