Cambridge, MA vs Chelsea, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Chelsea, MA is dramatic. Chelsea is 54.5% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Chelsea sits at 134, 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 Cambridge is $2,742/month compared to $1,859/month in Chelsea — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chelsea is more affordable at $476,500 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $72,220 in Chelsea (+75.1%). While Cambridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, less than the 30.9% in Chelsea. The Cambridge ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

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