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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Irvine is 7% more expensive than Cambridge.

$2,893/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↓ 5%
$129,647/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 2%
$1,115,400 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↓ 7%
$2,904/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↓ 9%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Cambridge, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $3,178/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Irvine or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Cambridge?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Cambridge?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $3,178/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Cambridge details →

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