Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Springfield is 67% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,114/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 146%
$51,339/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 146%
$222,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 367%
$1,276/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 106%
154,751
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,628/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $19,536/year.

Median household income is $75,130/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Springfield or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Cambridge?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,628/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $75,130/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Cambridge

Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland