How much does a tree removal cost in Cambridge, MA?

The average tree removal in Cambridge, MA costs $2,084 in 2026. Costs range from $521 for a basic project to $8,681 for a high-end renovation. Cambridge is 74% more expensive than the national average of $1,200.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cambridge?

The average contractor labor rate in Cambridge, MA is $54.31/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a tree removal, labor typically accounts for 80% of the total cost, which is approximately $1,667 in Cambridge.

Are materials more expensive in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a material cost index of 144 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 44% more than the national average. For a tree removal, materials account for 20% of the cost, approximately $417.

Do I need a permit for a tree removal in Cambridge?

Yes, a tree removal typically requires building permits in Cambridge, MA. The average permit cost in Cambridge is $3,017. Always confirm requirements with the Cambridge building department before starting work.

Is a tree removal a good investment in Cambridge?

A tree removal provides an estimated 30% ROI nationally. In Cambridge, where the median home price is $607,888, this project costs about 0.3% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Tree Removal in Cambridge, MA — Costs $521 to $8,681

What does tree removal cost in Cambridge? Average $2,084, ranging $521–$8,681. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 74% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+74% vs national

Labor Rate

$54.31/hr

Material Index

144

Avg Permit Cost

$3,017

Median Home Price

$607,888

Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a tree removal, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 74% above the national average, Cambridge is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $607,888, this tree removal represents just 0.3% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$521

National: $300

Mid-Range

$2,084

National: $1,200

High End

$8,681

National: $5,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $0

Duration: 4-8 hours

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 30%

Tree Removal Cost Calculator for Cambridge

Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Cambridge

$2,001

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Cambridge market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (80%)$1,667

At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)

Materials (20%)$417

Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)

Tree Removal vs. Home Value in Cambridge

Metric	Cambridge	National Avg
Tree Removal (Mid-Range)	$2,084	$1,200
Median Home Price	$607,888	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	0.3%	0.3%
Estimated ROI	30%	30%
Median Household Income	$98,948	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cambridge

1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
2Material cost index (144 vs national 100)
3Tree height
4Trunk diameter
5Proximity to structures
6Stump grinding

Popular Upgrades

Stump grinding
Stump chemical treatment
Wood chipping for mulch

Other Projects in Cambridge, MA

Deck and Pergola Combination

$56,881

HardROI 60%

Artificial Turf Installation

$24,378

HardROI 45%

Pond and Waterfall Installation

$16,067

HardROI 30%

Irrigation System Installation

$9,862

HardROI 55%

Second Story Addition

$325,033

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$243,775

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$146,265

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$128,532

MediumROI 60%

Tree Removal in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$2,068

-1%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$1,775

-15%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$1,675

-20%Pop. 155,929

Lowell, MA

$1,703

-18%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$1,664

-20%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$1,905

-9%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$1,768

-15%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$1,702

-18%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Tree Removal in Cambridge

Building permits are typically required for a tree removal in Cambridge. The average permit fee in this area is $3,017, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 4-8 hours from start to finish.

A tree removal is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $2,084 represents 2% of the typical household's annual income.

Tree Removal — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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