Salary Needed to Live in Cambridge as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $102,021/year to live comfortably in Cambridge, MA — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$102,021
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$80,767
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,846
65% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Cambridge
| Expense | Cambridge | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $434 | $209 | +108% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $82 | $44 | +86% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $42 | $28 | +50% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $60 | $44 | +36% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $247 | $229 | +8% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $67 | $58 | +16% |
| Childcare/After-school | $2,016 | $1,200 | +68% |
| Internet + Phones | $302 | $180 | +68% |
| Children Activities | $420 | $250 | +68% |
| Dining Out | $588 | $350 | +68% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $336 | $200 | +68% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $252 | $150 | +68% |
| Total Monthly | $4,846 | $2,942 | +65% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,846
Target savings (15%):$1,080/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,926
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$102,021
Other Household Types in Cambridge
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Cambridge?
A family with kids needs approximately $102,021/year ($8,502/month gross) to live comfortably in Cambridge with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Cambridge?
A 3br apartment/house in Cambridge costs approximately $434/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is Cambridge affordable for a family with kids?
Cambridge is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 65% more salary than the US median.