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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Huntington Beach is 5% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,424/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 13%
$119,885/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 5%
$1,047,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$1,040,500 ≈ Same
$2,436/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 8%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Huntington Beach, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $6,584/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntington Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 227 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Cambridge?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Cambridge?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $6,584/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 Huntington Beach or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Cambridge details →

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