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

Richardson

Texas
128
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Richardson is 111% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,825/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 50%
$96,257/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 31%
$405,600 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 157%
$1,796/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 47%
118,269
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richardson, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $917/month cheaper in Richardson, saving renters about $11,004/year.

Median household income is $30,212/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richardson is $405,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Richardson or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richardson and Cambridge?
Median rent in Richardson is $1,825/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $917/month.
Which city has higher income, Richardson or Cambridge?
Median household income is $96,257 in Richardson and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $30,212/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 Richardson or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Richardson has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,825/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.
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