Beverly, MA vs Cambridge, MA

The cost of living difference between Beverly, MA and Cambridge, MA is dramatic. Beverly is 32.1% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Beverly has a cost index of 141 while Cambridge sits at 207, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Beverly is $1,683/month compared to $2,742/month in Cambridge — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Beverly is more affordable at $621,900 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Beverly is $103,739 compared to $126,469 in Cambridge (-18%). The higher salaries in Cambridge partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Beverly spend roughly 19.5% of their income on rent, less than the 26% in Cambridge.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.9°F vs 51.9°F). Beverly receives more rainfall at 44.9" per year compared to 43.6" in Cambridge.