Moving from Boston, MA to Cambridge, MA
Relocating from Boston, MA to Cambridge, MA? The drive is 8.0 mi — about 15 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
8.0 mi · 15 min by car · MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 3, MA 2 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Lowell |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 108.266 vs 108.266 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.0% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $798,217 to $1,041,569 moving to Cambridge.
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Boston (51.9°F) and Cambridge (51.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.38 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.0% — $94,755 → $126,469 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
OEWS occupation data not available for these MSAs.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Boston vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $94,755 in Boston — a 33.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 8.0 mi and the route typically takes 15 min via I 90 and US 3. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cambridge compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $798,217 in Boston — a 30.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Cambridge?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 8.0 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Cambridge, MA.