Skyline of Cambridge
Cost of Living: 120 145,000

Cambridge, UK

A world-renowned university city on the River Cam, famous for its historic colleges, punting, and status as a leading global tech and biotech hub.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 120

Above Average vs UK Avg (100)

Housing Index 130

Above Average

Median Income £40,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.0%

Job market health

Cambridge vs UK Average

Cost of Living
Cambridge: 120
UK Avg: 100
Housing Index
Cambridge: 130
UK Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Cambridge: 20%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 20.0%
  • Sales Tax: 20.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: £40,000
  • Unemployment: 3.0%
  • Population: 145,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 150/year
  • Summer High: 72°F
  • Winter Low: 36°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: £450,000
  • 1BR Rent: £1200/mo

Cost of Living

Cambridge's cost of living index is 120 (UK average = 100).

CategoryCambridgeNational AverageDifference
Overall120100+20.0%
Housing130100+30.0%

Data source: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price£450,000
Median Rent (1BR)£1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)£1,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft£300

Data source: Rightmove, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

£
%
$90,000 down
%
%
£

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cambridge:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity£180Based on ~2,900 kWh/year typical UK household usage
Heating & Cooling£71Estimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water£45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)£35Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities£331Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: Ofgem, UK Energy Statistics 2024, Water UK, Ofcom

Remote Work Score

Cambridge scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
120
Rent
£1200
Sunny Days
150
Tax
20%
Unemployment
3.0%
Climate
72°F / 36°F
Safety
1.1 homicides/100k
Population
145,000
Internet Speed
100 Mbps

Climate

Cambridge has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January56°F36°F2.5"
April57°F51°F2.8"
July72°F47°F1.5"
October52°F54°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Cambridge faces the following natural hazards:

Flood Moderate Risk

River and coastal flooding.

Tornado Moderate Risk

The UK experiences occasional tornadoes.

Blizzard Moderate Risk

UK experiences winter storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 20%
  • Sales Tax: 20%
  • Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Academic Year September to July
Term System Trimester — Autumn (Sep-Dec), Spring (Jan-Apr), Summer (Apr-Jul)
Summer Break Late July to early September (6 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

Half-term breaks of 1 week in October, February, and May. Scotland has a different calendar.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#4
Top University Rank
1
Top 500 Universities
Top-Ranked University University of Cambridge

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cambridge, UK?

The cost of living index in Cambridge is 120, which is Higher the UK national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Cambridge?

The median home price in Cambridge is £450,000. The housing index is 130.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cambridge is approximately £1200/mo.

Does Cambridge, ENG have income tax?

Cambridge is in ENG, which has an income tax rate of 20%.

What is the climate like in Cambridge?

Cambridge enjoys approximately 150 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 72°F, while winter lows can drop to around 36°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2026
  • Housing Data: Rightmove, 2026
  • Income & Employment: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2024
  • Utilities Ofgem, UK Energy Statistics 2024, Water UK, Ofcom

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.