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Cambridge, MA Utility & Living Guide
Cambridge is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located in the Greater Boston metropolitan area directly across the Charles River from Boston. The city's population as of the 2020 U.S. census was 118,403, making it the most populous city in the county, the fourth-largest
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
$80/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2200/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2800/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3600/mo |
| Median Home Price | $640,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.08% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $2000 |
The housing market in Cambridge is highly competitive, with a mix of old and new buildings, and a strong demand for rentals and homes. The city has a range of neighborhoods, from affordable to very expensive. Rent control measures are in place to protect tenants.
Cost of Living
146
+46% above national average
115
105
95
$2000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.08% |
| <p>State 5.2% + No County tax + Local 0%</p> | |
Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax
Family & Relocation
60
8/10
$2000/mo
City Pulse
The MBTA public transit system in Cambridge is relatively stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps at many stations, but can be crowded during peak hours
- Museum of Science
- Boston Children's Museum
- Cambridge Public Library
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Cambridge based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Cambridge has regulations around short-term rentals, noise ordinances, and zoning laws to protect residents and the environment
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
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📊 Cambridge — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Utility costs in Cambridge fluctuate by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning usage, and higher gas costs in the winter for heating. Residents can expect to pay around 20% more for utilities during the peak summer and winter months.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.04 to 1.12, with no local surtaxes specific to Cambridge county
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
8/10, with wide sidewalks, many parks and playgrounds, and relatively easy access to public transportation, but some areas can be crowded and have limited elevator access
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