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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area
Overall Cost
↓ 28.0%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,099
Savings
Annual Impact
$25.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Cambridge, MA

Population:118K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$1.11M

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:
72
(28% below avg)
Median Home:$414K

Cambridge, MA

The Bay State

118K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 118K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • •Fastest growing major city
  • •Desert metropolis
  • •Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cambridge, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Housing
↓ 38.9%
Cambridge, MA
$4,567
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$1,778
less
Transportation
↓ 15.4%
Cambridge, MA
$1,761
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$272
less
All Utilities
↓ 20.1%
Cambridge, MA
$702
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$141
less
Healthcare
↓ 19.3%
Cambridge, MA
$729
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$141
less
Groceries
↓ 9.0%
Cambridge, MA
$1,058
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$95.13
less
Other
↓ 4.4%
Cambridge, MA
$1,755
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$77.69
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$2,702
To$1,390
↓ $1,312
1 Bed
From$2,837
To$1,510
↓ $1,327
2 Bed
From$3,368
To$1,750
↓ $1,618
3 Bed
From$4,039
To$2,330
↓ $1,709
Cambridge, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,370–$3,610/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,572
Monthly in Cambridge, MA
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$2,504
Difference

Home Values

Cambridge
Phoenix
$1.11M
Median Value
$414K
↑ +0.2%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +15.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$963K - $1.26M
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 63% less expensive than Cambridge

Calculate payment - CambridgeCalculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $2.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$189
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.5%
Rate difference

Cambridge, MA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Massachusetts State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.7%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,791/month
$105.5K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Cambridge, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Cambridge
Phoenix
36 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
79.5%
Good Air Days
9%
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌅🌀
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
6 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

What to Consider When Moving from Cambridge, MA to Phoenix, AZ

Relocating from Cambridge, MA to Phoenix, AZ involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 28% lower in Phoenix, AZ, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Phoenix, AZ is 39% cheaper than in Cambridge, MA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Phoenix, AZ pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Phoenix, AZ to match your current standard of living in Cambridge, MA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Phoenix, AZ for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cambridge, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Cambridge, MA?

Yes, Phoenix, AZ is about 28.0% cheaper than Cambridge, MA. You could save approximately $2,099/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 39% lower in Phoenix, AZ.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to match my lifestyle in Cambridge, MA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Cambridge, MA, you would need approximately $124,808 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Cambridge, MA and Phoenix, AZ?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $3,368/month in Cambridge, MA compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ. One-bedroom apartments are $2,837/month in Cambridge, MA vs $1,510/month in Phoenix, AZ. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Cambridge, MA or Phoenix, AZ?

Groceries are about 9% cheaper in Phoenix, AZ than in Cambridge, MA, saving a typical household roughly $95.13/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Cambridge, MA to Phoenix, AZ?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Massachusetts and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Cambridge, MA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $2,947/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $2,947/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $2,842/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $2,790/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $2,790/mo

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

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