Home Values in Cambridge, Massachusetts — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Seller's Market | +2.8% YoY
The median home value in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $895,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in Cambridge have increased by 2.8% over the past year and 14.8% over the last five years. With a population of 118,403 and a median household income of $102,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 8.8x, making Cambridge affordable for the average household.
Cambridge Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Cambridge | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $895,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +2.8% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +14.8% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $473 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 39 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 2 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 101.1% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 86 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.19% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Cambridge
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $779,617 five years ago in Cambridge would have gained approximately $115,383 in equity, representing a 14.8% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $24,377 in home equity.
Affordability in Cambridge, MA
With a median household income of $102,250 and a median home price of $895,000, the price-to-income ratio in Cambridge is 8.8x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $5,202 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $5,146 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.99. In Cambridge, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Cambridge
The effective property tax rate in Massachusetts is 1.2%. On a home valued at $895,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $10,740, or approximately $895/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Cambridge is 155.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are above the national average.
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Use our free calculator to estimate monthly payments for a $895,000 home
Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Cambridge, MA?
The median home value in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $895,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +2.8% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 14.8%.
Is Cambridge a buyer's or seller's market?
Cambridge is currently a seller's market with 2 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 39 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 101.1%. Low inventory gives sellers an advantage.
Are home values going up in Cambridge?
Yes, home values in Cambridge have increased by 2.8% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 14.8%, meaning a home worth $779,617 five years ago is now worth $895,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Cambridge?
The average monthly rent in Cambridge is $5,202, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $5,146. The price-to-rent ratio is 14.3. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other Massachusetts Cities
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Cambridge, Massachusetts is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.