Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Cambridge, MA effective property tax rate: 0.59%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and also lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%.
Median Cambridge, MA home value: $909,900
Median annual Cambridge, MA tax bill: $5,338, $2,938 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Middlesex County calculated?

Property taxes in Cambridge, MA are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Cambridge’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Cambridge, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.59%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$5,368

$4,982

Ownwell’s Cambridge Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Cambridge with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Cambridge’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Middlesex County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Local government entities are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. This variation is due to each county estimating its annual budget to provide services and dividing this by the total value of all taxable property in its jurisdiction. This process determines the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially how it works each year.

In Cambridge, located in Middlesex County, the effective property tax rate is notably different from other cities in Massachusetts. The median property tax rate in Cambridge is 0.59%, which is considerably lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This makes Cambridge an attractive location for property owners looking to save on taxes. With the national median property tax bill at $2400, Cambridge offers a more affordable option for residents. This competitive tax rate, coupled with the city's vibrant community and amenities, makes it a desirable place to live. Comparing Cambridge's tax rate with the rest of Massachusetts and the U.S. highlights its appeal for those seeking lower property taxes.

Property Tax Rates Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

0.59%

1.24%

1.90%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Cambridge Tax Rate

0.59%

Median Effective Middlesex County Tax Rate

1.22%

Median Effective Massachusetts Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
02138	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%
02139	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%
02140	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%
02141	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%
02142	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%	0.59%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

When examining property taxes in Cambridge, MA, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Middlesex County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

In Middlesex County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Cambridge.

For example, the median home price in Cambridge is $909,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 02142 has the highest median home price at $1,117,900.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$320,300

$928,425

$1,536,550

Median Cambridge Market Value

$909,900

Median Middlesex County Market Value

$633,600

Median Massachusetts Market Value

$492,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
02138	$517,000	$669,600	$1,047,600	$1,859,575	$3,022,260
02139	$485,500	$642,100	$884,800	$1,375,000	$1,879,600
02140	$505,100	$674,250	$947,400	$1,397,250	$1,970,080
02141	$470,700	$617,650	$782,600	$1,017,400	$1,332,120
02142	$669,000	$790,400	$1,117,900	$1,668,200	$2,398,740

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

In Cambridge, Middlesex County, MA, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is based on the market value of the property, which can fluctuate yearly. Cambridge's median home price is $909,900, leading to property tax bills that vary significantly. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is $3,842, while the 75th percentile reaches $8,567, and the 90th percentile climbs to $12,782. The national median property tax rate is 1.02%, with a typical bill of $2,400, highlighting Cambridge's higher tax burden. In the city, the highest median tax bill of $6,551 is found in zip code 02142, whereas the lowest is $4,587 in 02141. This variability affects homeowners' financial planning, emphasizing the importance of accurate assessments and potential appeals. Ownwell offers expertise in property tax appeals and exemptions, helping homeowners reduce their tax bills by ensuring fair assessments and identifying possible savings opportunities.

Property Tax Bills Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$4,294

$11,232

$18,170

Median Cambridge Tax Bill

$5,338

Median Middlesex County Tax Bill

$7,427

Median Massachusetts Tax Bill

$5,844

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
02138	$3,030	$3,924	$6,140	$10,897	$17,711
02139	$2,845	$3,763	$5,185	$8,066	$11,017
02140	$2,969	$3,960	$5,599	$8,203	$11,541
02141	$2,758	$3,620	$4,587	$5,962	$7,806
02142	$3,920	$4,630	$6,551	$9,680	$14,039

Source: Ownwell