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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Los Angeles is 22% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,879/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 46%
$80,366/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 57%
$879,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 18%
$2,055/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 28%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $46,103/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Cambridge?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Cambridge?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $46,103/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 Los Angeles or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Cambridge details →

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