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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Oakland is 18% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,917/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 43%
$97,369/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 30%
$924,700 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 13%
$2,164/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 22%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Oakland, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $29,100/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Oakland or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Oakland is cheaper to live in with an index of 195 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Cambridge?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Cambridge?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $29,100/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 Oakland or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Cambridge details →

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