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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Boston is 53% more expensive than Orlando.

$2,093/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↓ 21%
$94,755/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 27%
$710,400 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$359,000 ↓ 49%
$2,176/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↓ 26%
663,972
Population
311,732

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
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $443/month cheaper in Orlando, saving renters about $5,316/year.

Median household income is $25,487/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Orlando — common questions

Is Boston or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Orlando?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $443/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Orlando?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $25,487/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 Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Orlando

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