Cambridge, MA vs Lynn, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Lynn, MA is dramatic. Lynn is 64% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Lynn sits at 126, 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 $1,612/month in Lynn — a 70% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lynn is more affordable at $472,600 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $74,715 in Lynn (+69.3%). 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, more than the 25.9% in Lynn.

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