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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Ontario is 36% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,916/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 43%
$82,806/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 53%
$568,000 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 83%
$1,967/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 34%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $43,663/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Ontario or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Cambridge?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Cambridge?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $43,663/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 Ontario or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Cambridge

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland