salaryCambridge is the 4th-largest city in Massachusetts that we track, with 118,796 residents. Rent here is among the highest 10% in the country. Household incomes are higher than in 87% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 7.7 years of household income, so buying is hard for most locals. Most households rent (67%), so there are plenty of rental options. It is a highly educated city: 80.8% of adults have a college degree.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $135,320 a year. That is $65 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Massachusetts cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Massachusetts. It is number 116 of 123 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Cambridge?
Share of households by yearly income. 52.0% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Cambridge
| Size | Cambridge | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,567 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,766 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $3,350 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,747 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,821 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Cambridge overall?
Everyday prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area are 8% above the U.S. average (index 108.3, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Cambridge
Life in Cambridge
What jobs pay in Cambridge
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $183,350 | 22.1% |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | 24.4% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $147,480 | 27.5% |
| Physician Assistant | $142,410 | 28.5% |
| Pharmacist | $139,660 | 29.1% |
| Operations Manager | $133,800 | 30.3% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | 31.4% |
| Civil Engineer | $107,670 | 37.7% |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | 38.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | 39.6% |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | 39.8% |
| Accountant | $100,150 | 40.5% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | 41.4% |
| Plumber | $96,760 | 42.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $82,190 | 49.4% |
| Electrician | $79,910 | 50.8% |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | 51.7% |
| Police Officer | $78,180 | 51.9% |
| Carpenter | $75,210 | 54.0% |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | 54.9% |
| Truck Driver | $64,010 | 63.4% |
| Medical Assistant | $50,740 | 80.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $49,920 | 81.3% |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,590 | 85.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | $45,830 | 88.6% |
| Warehouse Worker | $45,600 | 89.0% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | 103.4% |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,850 | 110.2% |
| Cashier | $36,040 | 112.6% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Cambridge?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $4,195 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $1,092,100 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $109,210 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Cambridge, MA?
Renting in Cambridge costs a median of about $3,383 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Massachusetts median is $2,331.
How much do I need to make to live in Cambridge?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $135,320 a year, or $65 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Cambridge cheap or expensive?
Cambridge is rated OK: rent takes 28.8% of the typical household income of $141,012. It ranks 116th cheapest of 123 Massachusetts cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Cambridge?
The median homeowner in Cambridge pays $4,802 a year in property taxes, about 0.44% of the median home value.
Is Cambridge more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 8% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Cambridge?
The median home value in Cambridge is $1,092,100, about 7.7 times the typical yearly household income.
118,796 people live in Cambridge. Numbers are typical (middle) values.