Cambridge, MA vs Waltham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waltham is 26.1% cheaper than Cambridge. With a cost index of 164 vs 207, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waltham to Cambridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month compared to $2,232/month in Waltham — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waltham is more affordable at $705,700 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $116,560 in Waltham (+8.5%). Cambridge does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 23% in Waltham.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.5°F). Cambridge receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 42.6" in Waltham.