Median rent is 24% lower in Boston ($2,093/mo vs $2,742/mo). Buying is cheaper in Boston, where the median home runs $710,400 versus $1,040,500. Households earn more in Cambridge ($126,469 vs $94,755 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (112.2).
City A
Boston, MA
City B
Cambridge, MA
How much would you need to earn in Cambridge, MA to maintain your standard of living from Boston, MA?
Equivalent salary in Cambridge, MA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boston
Massachusetts
Cambridge
Massachusetts
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Boston — median rent of $2,093/mo versus $2,742/mo in Cambridge, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Cambridge: the median home is $1,040,500 versus $710,400 in Boston — 32% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% versus 9.00% in Massachusetts, so Cambridge is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 6.25% in Massachusetts; Cambridge has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boston
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Cambridge
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Boston (avg AQI 41.0) but not yet for Cambridge.
Pick Cambridge if you prioritize higher median household income ($126,469/yr).
Pick Boston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($2,093/mo median).
Is Boston cheaper than Cambridge?
Boston is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.2 versus 112.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Boston.
How much is rent in Boston vs Cambridge?
Median rent is $2,093/mo in Boston, MA and $2,742/mo in Cambridge, MA. Boston, MA has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Boston or Cambridge?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston, MA and $126,469 in Cambridge, MA. Cambridge, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Boston or Cambridge?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and Massachusetts's is 9.00%. Cambridge, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Cambridge to match my Boston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boston, MA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Cambridge, MA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology