Cambridge, MA vs Chicopee, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Chicopee, MA is dramatic. Chicopee is 133.8% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Chicopee sits at 89, 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 $1,108/month in Chicopee — a 148% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chicopee is more affordable at $251,800 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $66,927 in Chicopee (+89%). The higher salaries in Cambridge partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 19.9% in Chicopee.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 49.4°F). Chicopee receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 43.6" in Cambridge.