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Cambridge vs Somerville: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Cambridge is 6% more expensive than Somerville. Cambridge is 9% safer. Cambridge population: 122,588. Somerville population: 84,211.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingSomerville
SafetyCambridge
HousingSomerville

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Cambridge vs Somerville

Somerville is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 160 vs 170 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.

CategoryCambridgeSomerville
Overall Index170160
Housing$4,895/moIndex: 275$4,592/moIndex: 258
Groceries$451/moIndex: 110$443/moIndex: 108
Transportation$392/moIndex: 112$385/moIndex: 110
Healthcare$368/moIndex: 115$358/moIndex: 112
Utilities$231/moIndex: 105$229/moIndex: 104

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Cambridge vs Somerville

Cambridge is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents vs Somerville's 24.3. Cambridge earns a B- safety grade compared to Somerville's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Cambridge

Massachusetts

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeB-
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.1/1K
TrendDeclining
C+

Somerville

Massachusetts

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate24.3/1K
TrendStable
MetricCambridgeSomerville
Overall Crime Rate22.1/1K24.3/1K
Violent Crime Rate314.4383.9
Property Crime Rate1892.62047.2
Murder Rate6.26.7
Assault Rate220.1310.3
Robbery Rate82.076.9
Burglary Rate299.2287.4
Theft Rate1695.71416.8
Vehicle Theft Rate388.1227.4

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Cambridge, you have a 1 in 45 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 41 in Somerville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cambridge cheaper than Somerville?
Somerville is 6% more affordable than Cambridge, with a cost of living index of 160 vs 170 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,895/mo in Cambridge vs $4,592/mo in Somerville.
Is Cambridge safer than Somerville?
Cambridge is 9% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.1 per 1,000 residents vs Somerville's 24.3. Cambridge earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Cambridge or Somerville?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge is safer (B- grade). Somerville is more affordable (index 160 vs 170). Cambridge has a population of 122,588 and Somerville has 84,211. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Cambridge compared to Somerville?
Cambridge has a population of 122,588 and Somerville has 84,211. Cambridge is 46% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Cambridge or Somerville?
Housing is cheaper in Somerville. Estimated monthly housing costs: Cambridge $4,895/mo vs Somerville $4,592/mo. That's based on a housing index of 275 vs 258 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Cambridge Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Somerville Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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