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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

San Francisco is 12% more expensive than Cambridge.

$2,419/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 13%
$141,446/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 11%
$1,380,500 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↓ 25%
$2,620/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ≈ Same
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in San Francisco, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $14,977/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Cambridge — common questions

Is San Francisco or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Cambridge?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Cambridge?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $14,977/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Cambridge details →

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