City Comparison · 2026
Cambridge vs New York City
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Cambridge = $110k in New York City
Metric
Cambridge
New York City
COL Index
✓1.93
2.13
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$3,100/mo
$3,500/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$3,950/mo
$4,500/mo
State Income Tax
MA
NY
$100k Take-Home
✓$73,736
$73,522
$100k Effective Rate
✓26.26%
26.48%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$36,536
$31,522
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Cambridge MA | New York City NY |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,248 $3,937/mo · 21.25% eff. | $47,420 $3,952/mo · 20.97% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,736 $6,145/mo · 26.26% eff. | $73,522 $6,127/mo · 26.48% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,778 $8,815/mo · 29.48% eff. | $104,939 $8,745/mo · 30.04% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cambridge or New York City cheaper to live in?
Cambridge has a cost-of-living index of 1.93 while New York City is 2.13 (1.00 = US average). Cambridge is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Cambridge is $3,100/month vs $3,500/month in New York City.
How much more do you need to earn in New York City vs Cambridge?
$100k in Cambridge = $110k in New York City. Cost of living in New York City is higher by 10.4%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Cambridge or New York City?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,736 in MA (Cambridge) and $73,522 in NY (New York City). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $36,536 in Cambridge vs $31,522 in New York City.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideCambridge vs New York City cost of livingCambridge vs Los Angeles cost of livingCambridge vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in CambridgeCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in CambridgeRegistered Nurse salary in CambridgeWhere does $100k rank nationally?