Cambridge, MA town hall & government
Cambridge spent $2 billion in the year to June 30, 2024, about $17,034 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Cambridge's government.
Where Cambridge's money goes
Cambridge runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other Massachusetts cities.
Where the money comes from
- Fees & charges 41%
- Property taxes 30%
- From the state 17%
- Interest, fines & other 4%
- Other taxes & licenses 3%
- From the federal government 2%
- Sales taxes 1%
- Utility sales 1%
- From other local governments <1%
Who works for Cambridge
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2023. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Cambridge School District
Cambridge's K–12 school district. The schools are run by Cambridge, so this money is part of the budget above.
Where the district's money comes from Massachusetts districts overall: 49% local, 43% state, 8% federal
- Local 80%
- State 17%
- Federal 3%
Of the $40,789 per pupil, $22,452 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
What homeowners in Cambridge pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Cambridge's government
Who represents Cambridge
Cambridge is represented in Congress by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Representatives Katherine M. Clark and Ayanna Pressley. Maura Healey is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.