Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Seattle is 18% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,998/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 37%
$121,984/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 4%
$912,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 14%
$2,220/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 19%
741,440
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $744/month cheaper in Seattle, saving renters about $8,928/year.

Median household income is $4,485/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Seattle or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Seattle is cheaper to live in with an index of 196 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Cambridge?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $744/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Cambridge?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $4,485/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Cambridge details →

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