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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Santa Clarita is 18% cheaper than Cambridge.

$2,486/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 10%
$119,926/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 5%
$721,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 44%
$2,649/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ≈ Same
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $6,543/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Santa Clarita or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Cambridge?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Cambridge?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $6,543/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 Santa Clarita or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Cambridge details →

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