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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Santa Clara is 28% more expensive than Cambridge.

$2,985/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↓ 8%
$173,670/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 27%
$1,527,900 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↓ 32%
$3,051/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↓ 14%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Cambridge, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $47,201/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Cambridge?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Cambridge?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $47,201/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Cambridge details →

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