Cambridge, MA vs Cary, NC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Cambridge
70.6
#1085 nationally
Cary
72.1
#924 nationally
Cambridge leads in walk score (87 vs 28). Cary leads in cost of living index (125 vs 172). Cary leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 27.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Cambridge, MA | Cary, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.6 (#1085) | 72.1 (#924) |
| Population | 117,090 | 180,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,055,780 | $628,913 |
| Median Household Income | $115,892 | $125,317 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 22.8 min |
| Walk Score | 87 | 28 |
| Crime Level | Low | 1.9 |
| School Rating | 8.4 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 172 | 125 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+25.6 |
C-
70.6 Score
Cambridge, MA
Academic powerhouse across the Charles
Median Home
$1,055,780
Population
117,090
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Northeast
View Cambridge, MA →
C-
72.1 Score
Cary, NC
Mid-size North Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$628,913
Population
180,010
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Cary, NC →