Cambridge, MA vs Salem, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Salem, MA is dramatic. Salem 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 Salem 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 $1,800/month in Salem — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salem is more affordable at $497,400 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $85,137 in Salem (+48.5%). 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 25.4% in Salem.

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