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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Boston is 93% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$2,093/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 29%
$94,755/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 29%
$710,400 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 65%
$2,176/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 45%
663,972
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $27,234/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Boston or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $27,234/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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

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