Cost of Living in Cambridge, MA [2025]

Cambridge, deemed The Intellectual Capital of the World as a result of its wide range of higher education institutions, is also an incredible place to live. Home to the illustrious Harvard and MIT campuses, this lively city offers a bustling nightlife scene, a startup paradise, and even a famed garden cemetery.

If you’re looking to make the move to Cambridge, you’ll need to be prepared for the city’s high cost of living by creating an accurate budget. We’ve got you covered!

Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of living in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cost of Living in Cambridge

What Is the Cost of Living in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., with a cost of living 69% higher than the U.S. average according to Best Places. The largest cost category is housing, which is 321.4% higher than the national average.

Although Cambridge is more expensive in just about every category, health and transportation do have a lower cost of living than the rest of the state and country.

Where is the Cost of Living Highest in Cambridge, MA?

Cambridge is already notoriously expensive, but there are some areas that are more expensive than others. Cambridge is home to MIT and Cambridge University, but that doesn't mean it's necessary cheaper for students and staff. East Cambridge is among the most expensive areas for renters. Currently, rents in East Cambridge range from $2,700 to $4,100 with an average rent of $3,614.

Where is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Cambridge, MA?

Ideally, you can find a room to rent or leave the area to a suburb of Cambridge to find something affordable. However, there are some areas of Cambridge that are more affordable than others, like Inman Square. Rental pricing for one-bedroom apartments ranges from $2,650 to $2,700 with an average rent of $2,675.

How Much Is Rent in Cambridge, MA?

Data from our February 2025 Cambridge Rent Report shows that the overall rent in the area is $2,877 for all apartments. Prices and are now up 1.0% year-over-year. The median rent for a one-bedroom median apartment is $2,612 and and two-bedroom is $3,165 a month.

We also looked at the overall rental trends for the area. The median rent in Cambridge rose by 0.2% over the course of January 2025, which is similar to the state average (1.3%) and has outpaced the national average (-0.5%).

How Much is a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Cambridge, MA?

After looking over data from our February 2025 rent report the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is $2,162. We also looked at some of the rents in neighborhoods in the surrounding Cambridge areas:

How Much is a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Cambridge, MA?

If you're looking for more space, you can look at our rent report to see the median cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is of February 2025 is $3,165.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Cambridge, MA?

Based on the 30% rule., you should spend only 30% of your pretax income on rent each month. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment at $2,612, you'll need to earn at least $104,480 a year, $8,706.66 a month, or about $52.24 an hour to comfortably afford your rent.

Before making the move to Cambridge, ensure you will earn enough to live comfortably in the city. According to MIT data, the living wage in Cambridge is currently $30.04 an hour, which is the minimum you need to cover basic costs. This figure doesn't include savings, recreation, student debt repayments, or emergencies.

You should also consider the U.S. Census Bureau data. The median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 a year, $10,539.08 a month, or about $60.80 per hour. By comparison, the median household income in the rest of the United States is just over $78,538 a year.

How Much is Housing in Cambridge, MA?

Similar to rents, Cambridge housing prices are also pricey. You can look at Sperling's Best Places data to get an idea of the median home prices. The median home price in Cambridge has climbed to $914,400. That's nearly double the mdian home cost in the state of Massachusetts, which is $557,300. The median home price in the United States is $338,100.

How Much Is Transportation in Cambridge, MA?

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the average single Cambridge resident pays $10,056 on transportation annually when they own their own car. A family of four with two adults and two children pays $16,867 annually.

These costs represent personal vehicle ownership expenses. However, you can save big by riding public transportation whenever possible. As a major city, Cambridge has a comprehensive public transportation system that can get you where you need to go within city limits.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MTBA) provides rail, bus, and trolley transportation options. With a monthly MTBA Charlie LinkPass, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to the subway, bus, and Silver Line for $90 a month or $1,080 annually.

How Much Are Groceries in Cambridge, MA?

According to data from Numbeo, the average cost of an inexpensive meal is $21. For a two-person meal at a mid-range restaurant, you spend $110, not including tip or extras.

That said, with the many incredible restaurants lining the city’s streets, it’ll be a meal well worth the cost.

Basic grocery costs in Cambridge run $4,948 for a single adult a year. A family of two working adults and two children will spend $14,544 for a family of four a year or $953.83 a month. However, these numbers only account for those formidable souls who prepare and eat every single meal at home.

If you want to save on your grocery bill, shop at discount grocery stores such as Market Basket and Trader Joes. You might also catch a good deal on produce at the weekly Central Square Farmers Market!

How Much Is Childcare in Cambridge, MA?

Next to rent, childcare is among the biggest expenses in your monthly budget. Like much of the Northeast, childcare expenses are high in Cambridge and the surrounding metro area. According to MIT's data, you'll spend an average of $22,806 a year for one child in Cambridge. For two children, your expenses go up to a staggering $40,854 a month.

To bring down costs, you can explore on-site, company daycares that reduce expenses for employees. Staggering schedules with your significant other or planning a nanny share with other parents can also help build in some relief to your childcare budget.

How Much Is Healthcare in Cambridge, MA?

Understanding healthcare costs is essential for anyone building a budget that covers all expenses, even those that are difficult to predict. That said, the average medical costs for a single Cambridge resident are $3,535 and $9,311 for a family of four.

However, these numbers apply only to employer-sponsored health insurance. If you retain private healthcare coverage, you will likely experience significantly different costs. If you need to apply for healthcare coverage, head to Healthcare.gov, the federal health insurance marketplace.

Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to save for medical emergencies. They can be wildly unpredictable, causing financial devastation if you’re not prepared for them.

Similarly moving to a new state can cause a lapse in health insurance coverage. You’ll have to report your move to regain coverage.

How Much Are Utilities in Cambridge, MA?

For a 915 square foot apartment in Massachusetts, you'll pay $158.55 a month for your basic utilities, including water, electricity, and gas. You can compare that cost to the average utility bill in the rest of the U.S. of $206.44.

However, many people have begun to include essentials such as cell phones and internet services in their utility budget line. So, when you’re estimating your utility costs, you’ll need to include an additional $125.21 to cover the average cost of the monthly phone and internet bills, for a total of $283.76. Keep in mind Cambridge winters are cold, snowy, and rainy with temperatures dropping into the 20s in winter. You'll need to plan for extra utility costs to heat up your apartment during the winter.

If you’re looking to save big on your utilities, pay attention to your usage. When it comes to basic utilities, the less you use, the less you pay. Of course, saving on your internet and cell service is a bit more challenging.

You could opt for the lowest-tier service package, check out low-cost cell service plans, or simply call in and ask for a better deal. Yes, it’s a lot of effort, but who doesn’t like saving money?

Cambridge, MA Fitness & Entertainment

Even though Cambridge boasts a reputation for its scholarship, you won't find a lack of fitness and entertainment opportunities. Wondering what there is to do in Cambridge and how much it will cost you? Here’s what you need to know about fitness and entertainment options and costs in Cambridge.

Cambridge is sure to keep you active thanks to its walkability. However, if you’re a fitness enthusiast or simply prefer your workouts to be more structured, you’ll be at home in Cambridge’s gym scene.

A gym membership will run you an average of $100 monthly or about $1,000 annually. If that’s a bit too steep for you, there are other inexpensive ways to stay fit in the city. For example, you could lace up your running shoes and hit the sidewalk.

How Much Are Taxes in Cambridge, MA?

When building a budget to make your move to Cambridge, make it as airtight as possible. Consider all of your moving costs, not just the obvious ones, including taxes.

The state of Massachusetts collects flat-rate income tax of 5%. However, if you're a high earner and command a salary or income of over $1 million, you'll pay a 4% surtax. You'll also pay a sales tax rate of 6.25% across the state. However, there are no additional city or county taxes for Cambridge residents. Because you’ll be renting, you don’t have to worry about property taxes.

Find Your Next Apartment in Cambridge, MA

If living in a city overflowing with intellectuals and brimming with history seems like a dream, then it’s time to start planning your move to Cambridge. We've got you covered, whether you're looking for an apartment near campus or off-campus. Take our quiz to find your dream apartment or simply start browsing listings in Cambridge.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Cambridge

How expensive is an apartment in Cambridge?

The most expensive rent in Cambridge is currently a two-bedroom apartment. Its median rent is $3,165 a month. A one-bedroom apartment is cheaper at $2,612 a month.

What is the cheapest rent in Cambridge?

The cheapest rent in Cambridge is a one-bedroom apartment that's $2,612 a month. A two-bedroom apartment is more expensive at $3,165 a month.

How expensive is it to live in Cambridge?

If you rent a one-bedroom apartment, you'll pay a median rent of $2,612 a month. Single adults can expect to pay at least $4,948 on food, $10,056 on transportation, and $3,535 a year on medical care a year.

How far is Cambridge from Maryland?

Cambridge is 417 miles away from Maryland. It takes 7 hours and 21 minutes to get to Maryland from Cambridge by car, 43 hours by bike, and 151 hours by foot.

What is the population of Cambridge?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Cambridge is 118,214. It is the fourth-most populated city in the state of Massachusetts. The entire population of Massachusetts is 7,136,171.

What is a good salary in Massachusetts?

If you want to live comfortably in Massachusetts, we recommend using the 30% rule. and only spending 30% of your pretax income on rent each month. If you rent a one-bedroom apartment at $2,612, you'll need to earn at least $104,480 a year, $8,706.66 a month, or about $52.24 an hour to comfortably afford your rent.

However, according to the MIT data, the living wage in Cambridge is currently $30.04 an hour, which is the basic living wage but doesn't include extra like savings, recreation, debt repayments, or emergencies.

You can also consider the U.S. Census Bureau data, showing the median hosuehold income is $126,469 a year. That breaks down to $10,539.08 a month, or about $60.80 per hour.