Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Washington is 28% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,900/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 44%
$106,287/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 19%
$724,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 44%
$2,103/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 25%
672,079
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $842/month cheaper in Washington, saving renters about $10,104/year.

Median household income is $20,182/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Washington or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Washington is cheaper to live in with an index of 171 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Cambridge?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $842/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Cambridge?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $20,182/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Massachusetts?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Cambridge details →

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