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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Sacramento is 45% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,694/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 62%
$83,753/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 51%
$484,600 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 115%
$1,752/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 50%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,048/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $12,576/year.

Median household income is $42,716/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Sacramento or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Cambridge?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,048/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Cambridge?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $42,716/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 Sacramento or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Cambridge details →

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