A+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Cambridge Maryland National
Cost of living103121100
Groceries107105100
Health care109109100
Housing93151100
Transportation110109100
Utilities106108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111109100
Household Items104105100
Education & Childcare108112100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Cambridge, MD

Knowing the cost of living in Cambridge allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Cambridge stands at 103, marking it 3% higher than the national average.

In Cambridge, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Cambridge will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Cambridge Affordable?

Wondering if Cambridge is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Cambridge, for example, the median home price is 4.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 12.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Cambridge boasting a median household income of $57,553, which is 29.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cambridge?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Cambridge, healthcare costs are 8.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Cambridge, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Cambridge cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cambridge is 15% lower than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Cambridge is 3% higher than the national average
  • Cambridge housing is 7% lower than the national average
  • Maryland general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Maryland state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Cambridge

See all the best places to live around Cambridge

Compare Cambridge, MD Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Cambridge?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Cambridge?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Cambridge poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$100,019$8,335$2,334$3,001
      Renters$38,400$3,200$896$1,152
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Cambridge, MD, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Cambridge homeowners, is $100,019. This would allow for a maximum of $2,334 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $38,400 which would result in a maximum of $896 to be spent on rental costs.

      Maryland Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Maryland 6% 6%

      Maryland Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Maryland 2% 5.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Taylors Island, MD8511010.1%
      Hurlock, MD2,444982.0%
      East New Market, MD3341010.8%
      Secretary, MD5151043.7%
      Church Creek, MD761076.5%
      Cambridge, MD12,7761033.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lakeland South, WA12,77813333.1%
      Amos, QC12,770n/a 
      Marion, AR12,792982.2%
      Markham, IL12,759945.7%
      Fairfax Station, VA12,75717171.4%
      Cambridge, MD12,7761033.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.