Cost of Living: Pearland, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Pearland

Texas
121
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Pearland is 49% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,759/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 56%
$112,470/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 12%
$330,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 214%
$1,962/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 34%
125,983
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pearland, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Pearland, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $13,999/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pearland is $330,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Pearland residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pearland vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Pearland or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pearland and Cambridge?
Median rent in Pearland is $1,759/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Pearland or Cambridge?
Median household income is $112,470 in Pearland and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $13,999/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Pearland or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Pearland has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,759/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 Pearland details → View Cambridge details →

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