Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Boston is 63% more expensive than Brandon.

$2,093/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 19%
$94,755/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 19%
$710,400 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 59%
$2,176/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $402/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $4,824/year.

Median household income is $17,687/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Brandon — common questions

Is Boston or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Brandon?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $402/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Brandon?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $17,687/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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