MassachusettsPop. 118,796Mid-size cities
Is Cambridge a Good Place to Live? Cambridge, Massachusetts: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Cambridge ranks #57 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #7 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($130,748, #19 of 256) and low unemployment (3.6%, #44 of 241), and trails on high rents ($2,787/mo, #251 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,092,100, #244 of 256).
Cambridge by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Cambridge's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Cambridge?
Cambridge's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,787/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,031,739, 56% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
| Measure | Cambridge | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 105.8 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,031,739#1122 of 1,187 | $661,896 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,476/mo#1078 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $1,092,100#1259 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,787/mo#1274 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 8.4x#1232 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.6%#1058 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Cambridge housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Cambridge is in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
Massachusetts housing market →Is Cambridge safe?
Cambridge recorded 436 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% above the US rate of 328 and 44% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #766 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #150 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cambridge Police Department. Property crime runs 2,600 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Cambridge | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 436#766 of 1,085 | 303 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,600#887 of 1,085 | 1,031 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Cambridge?
The median household in Cambridge earns $130,748, 57% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Cambridge | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $130,748#104 of 1,312 | $104,828 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.8%#720 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Cambridge?
The median resident of Cambridge is 30.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 80.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #10 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 33.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Cambridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 30.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 80.8%#10 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 33.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Cambridge's schools and health?
Cambridge's 18 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 9.3 students per teacher and $37,934 spent per pupil. 21.9% of adults are obese and 5.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Cambridge | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89.7%#436 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 9.3#4 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $37,934#4 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 21.9%#39 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 5.9%#18 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16%#410 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 3.8%#10 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,656 students are enrolled in Cambridge's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Cambridge?
The average commute in Cambridge is 25.8 minutes (Massachusetts 30.6); 18% of workers take transit and 30.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Cambridge scores 15.8 of 20 (most walkable), #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 30.8°F, with 49.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Cambridge | MassachusettsMA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 30.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 13.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 19.7% | 62% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 18% | 7.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 19.2% | 4.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 7.8% | 0.9% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 30.8% | 14.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 15.8#7 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Massachusetts is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37 | 19.4 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 39.6 | 21 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 46.6 | 28.4 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 58.8 | 38.1 | 4.3 |
| May | 69.4 | 48.2 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 78.8 | 57.9 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 84.7 | 64 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 83.1 | 62.5 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 54.9 | 4 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 43 | 5 |
| Nov | 52.6 | 34.2 | 4 |
| Dec | 42.4 | 25.7 | 5.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jamaica Plain.
| Measure | Cambridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 51.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 30.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 49.4 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Jamaica Plain.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Cambridge?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Middlesex County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Cambridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#158 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Middlesex County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Middlesex County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0021% | 76% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0083% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0056% | 69% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0023% | 24% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Cambridge compare with similar-size cities?
Cambridge is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #7 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 118,796.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #57 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 | 25.8 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #564 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 | 27.8 min |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 min |
| Brandon, FLPop. 119,767 | #1033 | 49.4 | $79,685 | $1,784/mo | no data | 28.4 min |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #825 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 | 16.5 min |
| Richardson, TXPop. 118,731 | #271 | 62.7 | $98,111 | $1,857/mo | 138 | 23.6 min |
| Broken Arrow, OKPop. 118,180 | #370 | 60.5 | $86,765 | $1,320/mo | 198 | 21.9 min |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #454 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 | 24.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Cambridge compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Cambridge ranks #5 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 70.4 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 25% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 44% above the statewide rate. Homes are 56% above the typical Massachusetts home.
| City | Rank in MA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookline, MAPop. 63,266 | #1 | 79.5 | $142,101 | $2,835/mo | 124 |
| Newton, MAPop. 89,044 | #2 | 78.3 | $190,304 | $2,370/mo | 56 |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #3 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 |
| Medford, MAPop. 59,354 | #4 | 71.9 | $129,540 | $2,509/mo | 181 |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #5 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 |
| Waltham, MAPop. 64,902 | #6 | 69.3 | $120,216 | $2,268/mo | 224 |
| Quincy, MAPop. 102,114 | #7 | 66.1 | $98,882 | $2,118/mo | 302 |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #8 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #9 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #10 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #11 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #12 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #13 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #14 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #15 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #16 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #17 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #18 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 |
| Lynn, MAPop. 101,709 | #19 | 55.6 | $75,043 | $1,722/mo | 561 |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #20 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #21 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #22 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 |
| Lawrence, MAPop. 88,736 | #23 | 52.1 | $60,433 | $1,662/mo | 361 |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #24 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #25 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 |
All 25 Massachusetts cities we track, by overall score. Massachusetts statewide: median income $104,828, violent crime 302.7 per 100,000.
How is Cambridge's score calculated?
Cambridge scores 70.4 out of 100, #57 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Massachusetts's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Cambridge. Similar-size median 52.9.
79.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Cambridge's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
60.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Cambridge. Similar-size median 53.8.
83.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Cambridge's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
90.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Cambridge's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
21.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Cambridge. Similar-size median 51.2.
73.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Cambridge. Similar-size median 42.1.
48.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Cambridge. Similar-size median 50.1.
88.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Cambridge's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
77.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
76.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Cambridge's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Cambridge has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Cambridge
Is Cambridge, MA a good place to live?
Cambridge ranks #57 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #7 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 25 in Massachusetts. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($130,748, #19 of 256) and low unemployment (3.6%, #44 of 241), and trails on high rents ($2,787/mo, #251 of 256) and expensive homes ($1,092,100, #244 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Cambridge?
Cambridge's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,787/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,031,739, 56% above the typical Massachusetts home ($661,896).
What is the crime rate in Cambridge?
Cambridge recorded 436 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% above the US rate of 328 and 44% above Massachusetts's 303. That ranks #766 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #150 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Cambridge Police Department. Property crime runs 2,600 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Cambridge?
The median household in Cambridge earns $130,748, 57% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Massachusetts ($104,828). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Cambridge?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,787/mo (Census), #1274 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,476/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Cambridge?
The typical home value in Cambridge is $1,031,739, down 0.6% in a year, against $661,896 for Massachusetts and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,092,100.
How are the public schools in Cambridge?
Cambridge's 18 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (Massachusetts 90.1%), with 9.3 students per teacher and $37,934 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Cambridge?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 30.6 minutes across Massachusetts. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Cambridge?
Cambridge averages 51.2°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 30.8°F in winter, with 49.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Cambridge walkable?
Cambridge scores 15.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (most walkable), #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Cambridge at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Middlesex County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Cambridge?
Middlesex County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Cambridge?
Cambridge has 118,796 residents. The median resident of Cambridge is 30.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 80.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #10 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 33.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Cambridge compare with the rest of Massachusetts?
Cambridge ranks #5 of the 25 Massachusetts cities we track, with a score of 70.4 against Massachusetts's statewide 70. Its households earn 25% above the Massachusetts median. Violent crime is 44% above the statewide rate. Homes are 56% above the typical Massachusetts home.
What cities are similar in size to Cambridge?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Cambridge's population of 118,796 are Wilmington, NC (#656 overall), Berkeley, CA (#564 overall), North Charleston, SC (#978 overall), Brandon, FL (#1033 overall), and Billings, MT (#825 overall). Cambridge is #57.