Cambridge, MA vs Springfield, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Springfield, MA is dramatic. Springfield is 139.8% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Springfield sits at 86, 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 $1,114/month in Springfield — a 146% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $222,700 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $51,339 in Springfield (+146.3%). 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, less than the 26% in Springfield.

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