Taxes in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Complete tax guide for Cambridge, MA. State income tax up to 5%, 0.83% property tax, 6.25% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
5%
Massachusetts
Property Tax
0.83%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6.25%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very High
Cambridge, MA Tax Overview
MIT and Harvard; very high home values
Population
118,927
Median Income
$107,015
Cost of Living
187.3 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
5%
Median Home Price
$890,000
Cambridge Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Cambridge median: $107,015
Total Tax Burden in Cambridge
$28,695
Take-Home: $78,320 · Effective Rate: 26.81%
Federal Tax
$15,157
14.16% eff.
MA State
$5,351
5.00% eff.
FICA
$8,187
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$78,320
73.19% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $107,015.00 | $8,917.92 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$15,157.30 | -$1,263.11 |
| Massachusetts State Tax | -$5,350.75 | -$445.90 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$6,634.93 | -$552.91 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,551.72 | -$129.31 |
| Take-Home Pay | $78,320.30 | $6,526.69 |
Property Tax in Cambridge
Median Home
$890,000
Annual Tax
$7,387
Monthly Tax
$616
Effective Rate
0.83%
Sales Tax in Cambridge
Combined Rate
6.25%
State Portion
~3.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Cambridge is 6.25%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $6.25 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Cambridge | Massachusetts Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 5% | 5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.83% | ~0.83% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6.25% | ~6.25% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very High | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Cambridge
Cambridge has a population of approximately 118,927 residents with a median household income of $107,015. The cost of living index is 187.3 (87.3% higher than the national average of 100).
Local context: MIT and Harvard; very high home values
Tax burden classification: Very High. Effective combined tax rate of 34.6% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Cambridge household.
Official Tax Resources for Massachusetts
For authoritative Massachusetts tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Massachusetts Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Massachusetts Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Cambridge Residents
- Massachusetts's income tax rate of 5% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Cambridge (0.83%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Boston
Very HighWorcester
HighSpringfield
ModerateLowell
HighBrockton
HighNew Bedford
HighSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Massachusetts state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Cambridge's median home value of $890,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.83%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Massachusetts Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Massachusetts Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Cambridge, MA?
Cambridge, Massachusetts has a state income tax rate up to 5%. The property tax rate is 0.83% and the combined sales tax rate is 6.25%. MIT and Harvard; very high home values
How much is property tax in Cambridge?
The effective property tax rate in Cambridge is 0.83%. On the median home price of $890,000, this equals approximately $7,387 per year or $616 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Cambridge?
The combined sales tax rate in Cambridge is 6.25%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Cambridge's tax burden compare to other cities?
Cambridge has a very high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 34.6%. The combination of 5% state income tax, 0.83% property tax, and 6.25% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 187.3 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Cambridge?
Cambridge does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 5%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). MIT and Harvard; very high home values