Cost of living in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Middlesex County, MA
Population 1,622,896 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Cambridge
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Income and earnings in Cambridge
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Cambridge
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Cambridge
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Cambridge
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Cambridge
State and local tax rates for Massachusetts.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Cambridge
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Cambridge
What it costs to live in Cambridge each month.
- Rent $1,745
- Energy $246
- Water $55
- Groceries $385
- Transport $250
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $954
- State tax $276
- Rent $2,269
- Energy $295
- Water $65
- Groceries $638
- Transport $350
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $1,773
- State tax $528
- Rent $2,504
- Energy $369
- Water $75
- Groceries $968
- Transport $450
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $1,773
- State tax $528
Frequently asked questions about Cambridge
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,745 per month, a two-bedroom averages $2,269 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,504 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Cambridge?
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, the average household income is $126,779 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $66,124 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge?
The estimated cost of living in Cambridge, Massachusetts is approximately $4,391 per month for a single person, $6,782 for a couple, $9,217 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Cambridge?
The combined sales tax rate in Cambridge, Massachusetts is 6.25%, which includes the Massachusetts state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Cambridge an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Cambridge, Massachusetts would need approximately $4,391 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $126,779 per year ($10,565 per month). Cambridge is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Cambridge?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Cambridge, Massachusetts is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 2.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Cambridge?
The average home value in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $687,200, with average annual property taxes of $7,240, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Cambridge compare to other areas?
You can compare Cambridge, Massachusetts with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Cambridge is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area.
Other counties in Massachusetts
Browse the full list of counties in Massachusetts, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in MassachusettsCompare Cambridge with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP