Cost of Living: Cambridge, MA vs Houston, TX
Analyzing index metrics between Cambridge and Houston relative to the US average baseline (100). Cambridge is estimated to be 60% more expensive overall than Houston. Rental housing in Houston runs about 49% lower than in Cambridge.
Side-by-Side Index Breakdown
| Index Category | Cambridge, MA | Houston, TX | Difference for Houston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living | 160 | 100 | -37% |
| Rent Index | 185 | 95 | -49% |
| Home Price Index | 195 | 110 | -44% |
| Utilities | 120 | 98 | -18% |
| Groceries | 138 | 99 | -28% |
| Transportation | 135 | 97 | -28% |
| Healthcare | 128 | 100 | -22% |
Cambridge, MA
Read a complete breakdown of rent distributions, home pricing indexes, utility rates, and local services in Cambridge.
Houston, TX
Read a complete breakdown of rent distributions, home pricing indexes, utility rates, and local services in Houston.
Planning a move between these cities?
Cost of living indexes provide a directional guide, but real rent rates, local tax regulations, and commute patterns fluctuate by neighborhood.
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Cost of Living Comparison: Cambridge, MA vs Houston, TX
This side-by-side cost-of-living comparison analyzes the financial differences between Cambridge, MA (overall index 160) and Houston, TX (overall index 100). Cambridge, MA is estimated to be 60% more expensive overall than Houston, TX. Use this data to plan your monthly budget and compare housing, transit, utility, and grocery expenses.