Is Cambridge expensive to live in?

Cambridge is considered expensive, with a cost index of 160 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 60% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $3,355, and the median household income is $126,469.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cambridge?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $134,200/year to afford median rent in Cambridge. The median household income is $126,469, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 32%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Cambridge?

The median rent in Cambridge is $3,355 per month. Housing costs score 251 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 151% more expensive than the US average.

How does Cambridge compare to the national average cost of living?

Cambridge's overall cost index is 160 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (251), food & groceries (157), transportation (152), utilities (148), and healthcare (165). Cambridge is above average in most categories.

Is Cambridge, Massachusetts a good place to live?

Cambridge has a population of 118,214 and a median household income of $126,469. With a cost index of 160, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 32%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Cambridge?

To find the most affordable cities near Cambridge in Massachusetts, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Massachusetts state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Cambridge

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 160

Median rent: $3,355

Median income: $126,469

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

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Median Rent

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About Cambridge

Living in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge, Massachusetts is a growing city with a population of approximately 118,214. The overall cost of living index sits at 160, which is significantly above the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 60% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Cambridge. Median rent is $3,355 per month, while the median home price is $1,019,841. At a median household income of $126,469, rent consumes roughly 32% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 251 highlights significantly elevated shelter costs.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Cambridge with a sub-index of 165, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 148. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Massachusetts applies a 5.00% income tax rate, and property tax averages 1.04% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 6.25%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Cambridge has remained relatively stable. Among the 4 tracked cities in Massachusetts, Cambridge ranks #4 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Cambridge actually costs.

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