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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Cape Coral

Florida
114

Boston is 54% more expensive than Cape Coral.

$2,093/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,751/mo ↓ 16%
$94,755/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$76,062/yr ↓ 20%
$710,400 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$339,200 ↓ 52%
$2,176/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,523/mo ↓ 30%
663,972
Population
206,387

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
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Cape Coral, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 114 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $342/month cheaper in Cape Coral, saving renters about $4,104/year.

Median household income is $18,693/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $339,200 in Cape Coral.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Cape Coral — common questions

Is Boston or Cape Coral cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cape Coral is cheaper to live in with an index of 114 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Cape Coral?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Cape Coral it's $1,751/month — a difference of $342/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Cape Coral?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $76,062 in Cape Coral. Median household income is $18,693/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 Cape Coral?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Cape Coral has a cost index of 114 with rent of $1,751/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Cape Coral details →

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