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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Boston is 33% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$2,093/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↓ 15%
$94,755/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 16%
$710,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 36%
$2,176/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 18%
663,972
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $14,820/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Boston or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $14,820/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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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