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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Hollywood

Florida
113

Boston is 63% more expensive than Hollywood.

$2,093/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,555/mo ↓ 26%
$94,755/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$65,359/yr ↓ 31%
$710,400 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$374,200 ↓ 47%
$2,176/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,568/mo ↓ 28%
663,972
Population
152,935

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Hollywood, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Hollywood, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $29,396/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $374,200 in Hollywood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Hollywood — common questions

Is Boston or Hollywood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hollywood is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Hollywood?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Hollywood it's $1,555/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Hollywood?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $65,359 in Hollywood. Median household income is $29,396/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 Hollywood?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Hollywood has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,555/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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