Cambridge, situated along the Charles River, combines academic excellence with historic charm. As home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the city maintains a strong intellectual presence while offering diverse neighborhood experiences. Harvard Square features historic architecture, independent bookstores, and local cafes, while Kendall Square has emerged as a global technology and research center. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the Charles River Esplanade and Fresh Pond Reservation, which provides 162 acres of walking trails around a glacial lake. The city offers various housing styles, from preserved Victorian buildings in Mid-Cambridge to contemporary apartments in East Cambridge, with concentrated residential areas near Harvard Square, Central Square, and Kendall Square.
The rental market in Cambridge reflects high demand, with current average rents at $3,297 for one-bedroom apartments (up 3.3% from last year) and $4,212 for two-bedrooms (up 2.6%). The city celebrates arts and culture through institutions like the Harvard Art Museum and MIT Museum. An extensive network of bike paths and pedestrian walkways connects Cambridge's distinct neighborhoods. The historic Cambridge Common, where George Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775, stands as a testament to the city's role in American history.
Chalk Art Party takes places at the Cambridge Common during the month of August.
As of March 2026, the average apartment rent in Cambridge, MA is $2,759 for a studio, $3,261 for one bedroom, $4,196 for two bedrooms, and $5,244 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Cambridge has decreased by -0.7% in the past year.
Open to exploring your options? Discover other great cities in Massachusetts with our detailed guide.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Cambridge, MA is for everyday living.
Walker's Paradise
Lace up your walking shoes because this area is considered a walker’s paradise.
Excellent Transit
You’ll have excellent transit living in this area, with several nearby transit stops.
Biker's Paradise
Do you prefer to get around on two wheels? You’ll love living in this neighborhood, which is considered a biker’s paradise.
Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School
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Grades PK-5
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Grades PK-8
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John M. Tobin Montessori School
Public
Grades PK-5
Martin Luther King, Jr. School
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Grades PK-5
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Grades PK-8
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Grades 6-8
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Grades 6-8
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Grades 6-8
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Community Charter School of Cambridge
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Grades 6-12
Prospect Hill Academy Charter School
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Grades PK-12
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
