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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Sunnyvale is 43% more expensive than Cambridge.

$3,065/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↓ 11%
$181,862/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 30%
$1,816,600 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↓ 43%
$3,016/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↓ 13%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $323/month cheaper in Cambridge, saving renters about $3,876/year.

Median household income is $55,393/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cambridge is cheaper to live in with an index of 239 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Cambridge?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $323/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Cambridge?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $55,393/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sunnyvale and Cambridge

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