Moving from Cambridge, MA to Boston, MA
Relocating from Cambridge, MA to Boston, 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
| Cambridge | Boston | 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% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $1,041,569 to $798,217 moving to Boston.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Boston -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cambridge | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 49.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 43.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Cambridge (51.2°F) and Boston (51.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boston averages 49.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 663,972 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $94,755 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 28.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.38 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.0% — $126,469 → $94,755 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boston averages 49.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Boston?
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.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Boston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,755 in Boston vs $126,469 in Cambridge — a 25.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Boston, MA from Cambridge, 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 Boston compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $798,217 in Boston vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge — a 23.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA · Boston, MA.