Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Phoenix is 54% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,458/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 88%
$77,041/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 64%
$381,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 172%
$1,430/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 84%
1,624,832
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,284/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $15,408/year.

Median household income is $49,428/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Phoenix or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Cambridge?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,284/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Cambridge?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $49,428/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Cambridge details →

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