Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cambridge, MA
Thinking about moving to Cambridge, MA? Home to about 119,000 residents, Cambridge is known for its world-class universities, vibrant diversity, and walkable urban lifestyle. Housing costs are high, with a median home price near $995,000 and average 2-bedroom rents around $3,200, reflecting a strong demand to live in this intellectually rich city. Residents enjoy a quick average commute of 27 minutes, extensive public transit, and top-rated schools, with over 79% holding at least a bachelor's degree. The city boasts a low violent crime rate (337 per 100K), excellent healthcare access, and four-season New England charm—making it a compelling choice for movers seeking opportunity and culture.
Demographics - Cambridge, MA
Demographics - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge, with a population of about 119,000, is a youthful and diverse city where the median age is just over 30. Over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home, and the community includes significant White, Asian, and Black populations, reflecting its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
119,000
Density:
18,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.6
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.5%
Black:
10.5%
Asian:
18.5%
Others:
9.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cambridge, MA?
Living in Cambridge comes with a high cost of living, as shown by a cost of living index of 182.6 and a median home value close to $1 million. Residents can expect higher-than-average rents and everyday expenses, making it important to budget carefully for housing and essentials.
Median House Value:
$995,000
Gross Rent:
$2,900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,680
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
182.6
Grocery:
124.9
Housing:
282.0
Utilities:
104.6
Transportation:
116.4
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
119.0
Crime
Is Cambridge, MA a safe place to live?
Cambridge maintains a relatively low violent crime rate of 337 per 100,000 residents, which is reassuring for families and newcomers. However, property crime is more common, so it's wise to be mindful of security, especially in densely populated neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
337
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,734
Crime Index:
2,071
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 297
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Cambridge, MA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters dipping to 22°F, warm summers reaching up to 83°F, and around 44 inches of rainfall annually. Cambridge enjoys about 57% sunny days, providing a balanced New England climate ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Cambridge households enjoy a median income of over $112,000, and the area is highly educated, with nearly 80% of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. The community is diverse, active in public transportation, and features a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.4%, contributing to its dynamic urban character.
Median Income:
$50,200
Household Income:
$112,565
Family Income:
$144,200
Per Capita Income:
$61,700
Income Male:
$70,400
Income Female:
$61,200
Poverty Rate:
11.7%
Non English Speakers:
25.8%
Rent:
$2,900
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
33.2%
Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.7%
Bachelors or More:
79.0%
Education
How are the schools in Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge is a renowned center for education, home to top public schools and prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. Families benefit from strong K-12 options, small class sizes, and abundant opportunities for lifelong learning in a highly educated community.
Public Schools
Name:
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Street:
459 Broadway
Phone:
617-349-6630
Students:
1,990
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Graham and Parks School
Street:
44 Linnaean St
Phone:
617-349-6577
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Private Schools
Name:
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Street:
80 Gerry's Landing Rd
Phone:
617-547-6100
Students:
1,030
Colleges
Name:
Harvard University
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
31,500
Name:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
City:
Cambridge
State:
MA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,920
Healthcare
Cambridge offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like Mount Auburn Hospital and Cambridge Health Alliance providing comprehensive emergency and specialty care. The city boasts a high concentration of physicians and nearly universal health insurance coverage among residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mount Auburn Hospital
Address:
330 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone:
(617) 492-3500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cambridge Health Alliance - Cambridge Hospital
Address:
1493 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone:
(617) 665-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.4%
Health Care Index:
80.6
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cambridge, MA?
Homebuyers and renters face a competitive market, as the median home price hovers around $995,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,200. Most residents rent rather than own, reflecting a tight housing market with low vacancy rates and steady home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$995,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
34.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Cambridge are managed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Boston and accessible both in-person and online. Residents can expect comprehensive support for licensing, registration, and related needs.
State:
Massachusetts
Department:
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address:
136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone:
1-857-368-8000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.