Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

New York is 31% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,779/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 54%
$79,713/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 59%
$751,700 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 38%
$1,837/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 43%
8,516,202
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in New York, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $46,756/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Cambridge — common questions

Is New York or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New York is cheaper to live in with an index of 166 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Cambridge?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Cambridge?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $46,756/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View Cambridge details →

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