Living in Cambridge, MA: prices, taxes and commute
A dense city across the river from Boston, with five Red Line stations.
Cambridge's single-family median was $2,400,000 in September 2026, and $2,475,000 over the past 12 months, +6.1% from a year earlier. The FY2026 tax rate is $6.67 per $1,000, with a 30% residential exemption for owner-occupants. Cambridge has Red Line stations at Kendall/MIT, Central, Harvard, Porter and Alewife, Green Line stations at Lechmere and East Cambridge, and Fitchburg Line commuter rail at Porter.
Cambridge by the numbers
Source: The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026), MLS PIN closed single-family sales for September 2026; Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates. Carrying cost assumes 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan and excludes insurance, HOA and maintenance. Annual tax on the September median at the FY2026 rate is about $16,008 before any exemption.
Every issue of The Context Report for Cambridge
| Issue | Median | Sales | Carrying cost / mo | 12-mo median | 12-mo change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1, June 2026 | $2,300,000 | 11 | $13,152 | $2,503,000 | +16.1% |
| No. 2, July 2026 (June 2026 sales) | $2,550,000 | 17 | $14,687 | $2,501,000 | +8.0% |
| No. 3, August 2026 (July 2026 sales) | $2,480,000 | 22 | $14,428 | $2,490,000 | +7.9% |
| No. 4, September 2026 (August 2026 sales) | $1,764,000 | 11 | $10,346 | $2,475,000 | +7.6% |
| No. 5, October 2026 (September 2026 sales) | $2,400,000 | 6 | $14,910 | $2,475,000 | +6.1% |
Homes in Cambridge
Cambridge's September single-family median of $2,400,000 ranked 2 of 26 Greater Boston towns with sales that month, above the regional middle of $950,000. The 12-month median of $2,475,000 is the steadier number. These figures cover single-family homes only; condos and multi-families are not included. Price depends heavily on the street and the house, so the town median is only a starting point. Ask us for recent sales of homes like yours.
Taxes and monthly cost
Cambridge's FY2026 residential rate is $6.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $6.35 in FY2025. A home assessed at $2,400,000 would pay about $16,008 a year in property tax. Cambridge offers a 30% residential exemption to owner-occupants, which lowers the bill on a primary residence. Owners have to apply with the assessor; it is not automatic. See how that compares on our property tax rates by town page.
Getting around
- Red Line: Kendall/MIT, Central, Harvard, Porter and Alewife.
- Green Line: Lechmere and East Cambridge.
- Commuter rail: Porter station on the Fitchburg Line.
- Bus and bike: Many MBTA bus routes and a large network of bike lanes.
Schedules change. Check mbta.com for current service before you count on a commute.
Schools, safety, water and flood data
We do not rate towns. These are the official sources, so you can look at the data yourself.
- Schools: Massachusetts DESE school and district profiles. Search for Cambridge to see enrollment, staffing, assessment results and more.
- Crime data: Massachusetts crime statistics, the state's public crime reporting site. The Cambridge police department also publishes local reports.
- Drinking water: EPA: find Cambridge's annual drinking water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report).
- Flood zones: FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Enter the address. If a home is in a high-risk flood zone, lenders will require flood insurance, so check before you make an offer.
Sources
- The Context Report No. 5 (October 2026)
- Massachusetts DOR FY2026 tax rates
- MBTA Red Line
- MBTA Green Line
Questions this page answers
What is the median home price in Cambridge, MA?
The single-family median in Cambridge was $2,400,000 in September 2026 on 6 sales. Over the last 12 months it was $2,475,000, +6.1% from a year earlier.
What is the property tax rate in Cambridge?
Cambridge's FY2026 residential rate is $6.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $6.35 in FY2025. The commercial rate is $14.07. Owner-occupants can apply for a 30% residential exemption.
How do you get from Cambridge to Boston?
Cambridge has Red Line stations at Kendall/MIT, Central, Harvard, Porter and Alewife, Green Line stations at Lechmere and East Cambridge, and Fitchburg Line commuter rail at Porter.
Is Cambridge a good place to live?
That depends on what you need. This page lays out prices, taxes, commute options and links to public school, crime, water and flood data so you can decide for yourself.
How much does it cost per month to own a home in Cambridge?
About $14,910 a month in principal, interest and property tax on the September median, with 20% down on a 30-year fixed loan. Insurance and maintenance are extra.
Do I need to apply for the Cambridge residential exemption?
Yes. If you buy a home to live in, apply with the Cambridge assessor. The exemption is not automatic for new owners.