Complete city guide with real-time data from official US government sources.
Cambridge is 11.6% more expensive than the national average. We calculate how much your salary "feels like" here.
This report analyzes the relocation viability of Cambridge, Massachusetts, based on Q3 2026 data. It focuses on the economic realities of a hybrid-work environment, where proximity to regional hubs and quality of life metrics outweigh traditional commute-centric metrics.
Cambridge represents a hyper-concentrated ecosystem of high capital and high education. With a population of 118,208, it operates less like a suburb and more like a specialized economic city-state. The median income sits at $134,307, a staggering +80.1% deviation from the US median of $74,580. However, this wealth is predicated on academic and biotech credentials; 82.7% of the population holds a college degree, compared to the national average of 33.1%.
The statistical target demographic is the "Post-Remote Professional"—individuals earning in the top 20% of national household income who require access to the Boston-Cambridge biotech/tech corridor but prioritize walkability and amenities over square footage.
While groceries and transport hover near the national baseline, housing and utilities drive the cost variance. Electricity costs are a significant outlier at 29.35 cents/kWh (vs. US 16.0 cents/kWh), adding approximately $80-$120 monthly to typical usage.
| Category | Single Professional (Estimated) | Family of 4 (Estimated) | Index (vs US Avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | $2,941 (1BR) | $4,500 (3BR) | 128.0 |
| Groceries | $450 | $1,200 | 101.0 |
| Transportation | $250 | $650 | 104.0 |
| Healthcare | $380 | $1,100 | 105.0 |
| Utilities/Energy | $165 | $320 | 190.0+ |
| Dining/Entertainment | $600 | $1,100 | 108.8 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $4,786 | $8,870 | ~125.0 |
Despite the high costs, the purchasing power remains strong due to income scaling. A single professional earning the median $134,307 takes home approximately $7,800/month (after taxes). After deducting the $2,941 rent, they retain $4,859 in disposable income—significantly higher than the US average retention of roughly $2,500. However, housing consumes 37.7% of gross income, approaching the "cost-burdened" threshold.
Cambridge's prices compared to national average (100 = US Average)
Source: BLS & BEA RPP (2025 Est.)
The housing market is decoupled from national trends. Buying offers equity accumulation potential, but the barrier to entry is immense. Renting is the standard entry point, yet the price-to-rent ratio favors buying long-term if the buyer can secure the down payment.
| Metric | Cambridge Value | US Average | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,150,000 | $406,000 | +183.2% |
| Price per SqFt | $925 | $220 | +320.4% |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,941 | $1,700 | +73.0% |
| Rent (3BR) | $4,500 | $2,300 | +95.6% |
| Housing Index | 128.0 | 100.0 | +28.0% |
In 2026, the "Price-to-Rent Ratio" in Cambridge is approximately 32 (Median Home / (Annual Rent * 1BR)). A ratio above 21 mathematically favors renting. However, for high-income earners staying 7+ years, buying is the only hedge against the +28.0% housing index inflation. Renting is a liquidity play; buying is an asset-anchoring play.
The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate has stabilized the local economy. Cambridge is no longer a ghost town of remote workers; it is a hub for biotech (Kendall Square) and tech. The unemployment rate sits at 4.7%, slightly above the US average of 4.0%, likely due to the highly specialized labor force requiring specific niche roles.
Commute Dynamics: The average commute time is 28 minutes. With 82.7% of residents holding degrees, most work is hybrid or fully on-site in the immediate area. Proximity to the Red Line T-stops (Kendall/MIT, Central Square) is the primary value driver for real estate.
See how far your salary goes here vs other cities.
Cambridge excels in health outcomes and safety, significantly outperforming national averages in risk factors.
| Metric | City Value | US Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Score | 87.3/100 | ~75.0 | Excellent |
| Obesity Rate | 21.9% | 31.9% | Low |
| Diabetes Rate | 5.9% | 10.9% | Low |
| Smoking Rate | 7.1% | 14.0% | Low |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 37 | 55 | Good |
| PM2.5 Levels | Low | Moderate | Safe |
| Unemployment | 4.7% | 4.0% | Average |
Relocate to Cambridge IF your household income exceeds $150,000 and you value health/safety metrics over square footage. For remote workers earning below the city median, the cost of living (128 Housing Index) makes it mathematically unviable. For biotech/tech professionals, it remains the premier East Coast hub.
1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Cambridge?
To live "comfortably" (following the 30% rent-to-income rule), a single renter needs a gross salary of approximately $118,000 to afford the median 1BR rent of $2,941.
2. How does the value compare to nearby Boston?
Cambridge is roughly 5-7% cheaper than Boston proper for rentals but 10-15% more expensive for purchasing, due to specific tax abatements and school district premiums.
3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With violent crime at 234/100k and property crime at 1,456/100k, Cambridge is statistically one of the safest small cities in the US for its population density.
4. When is the best time to move?
The rental market peaks in May-August (student cycle). For better pricing, aim for a September 1st move-in, where you can negotiate 5-8% off the asking rent.
