Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Boston is 56% more expensive than Port St. Lucie.

$2,093/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↓ 15%
$94,755/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 18%
$710,400 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 54%
$2,176/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↓ 31%
663,972
Population
220,453

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Port St. Lucie, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $16,618/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Boston or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $16,618/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 Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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