Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Reno is 49% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,453/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 89%
$78,448/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 61%
$498,600 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 109%
$1,482/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 78%
268,959
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,289/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $15,468/year.

Median household income is $48,021/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Reno or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Cambridge?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,289/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Cambridge?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $48,021/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Massachusetts?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Cambridge details →

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