Cambridge, MA vs Quincy, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Quincy, MA is dramatic. Quincy is 39.7% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Quincy sits at 148, 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 $1,998/month in Quincy — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Quincy is more affordable at $598,100 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $95,711 in Quincy (+32.1%). 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 25.1% in Quincy.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 49.7°F). Quincy receives more rainfall at 53.3" per year compared to 43.6" in Cambridge.