Boston vs Cambridge

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Massachusetts salaries

Living in Boston vs Cambridge

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Cambridge sits at 280 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $890,000 in Cambridge, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $3,100 in Cambridge.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Cambridge scores 110.

Healthcare costs in Boston (118) match Cambridge (118).

Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $103,154 in Cambridge. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Boston.

Relocating: Boston vs Cambridge

If you are considering a move between Boston (index: 162) and Cambridge (index: 178), the 9% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Boston is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Boston can afford $1,780/month, while the median household in Cambridge can afford $2,407/month. With median homes at $620,000 in Boston versus $890,000 in Cambridge, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $2,800/month in Boston and $3,100/month in Cambridge, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Boston. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Boston (162) vs Cambridge (178)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Boston at 162 is 62% above the US average, while Cambridge at 178 is 78% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.

For renters: With median rents of $2,800/month in Boston and $3,100/month in Cambridge, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $270,000 difference in median home prices between Boston and Cambridge translates to roughly $16,200 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.

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