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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Boston is 68% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,093/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 26%
$94,755/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 54%
$2,176/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 35%
663,972
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $30,315/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Boston or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Clearwater?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Clearwater?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $30,315/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Clearwater

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville