Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Washington is 15% more affordable than Cambridge. A $75,000 salary in Cambridge is equivalent to $64,045 in Washington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cambridge has a housing index of 280 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Cambridge costs $890,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in Cambridge versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cambridge scores 110 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Cambridge (118) are higher than Washington (105).
Median household income in Cambridge is $103,154 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Washington.
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