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

Orange

California
206
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Orange is 14% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,252/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 22%
$116,945/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 8%
$900,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 16%
$2,394/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 10%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $9,524/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Orange or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Cambridge?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Cambridge?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $9,524/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 Orange or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Cambridge

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland