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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

San Diego is 18% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,223/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 23%
$104,321/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 21%
$848,500 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 23%
$2,308/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 14%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in San Diego, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $22,148/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Cambridge — common questions

Is San Diego or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Diego is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Cambridge?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Cambridge?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $22,148/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 San Diego or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Cambridge details →

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