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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Boston is 56% more expensive than Tampa.

$2,093/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 25%
$94,755/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 25%
$710,400 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 47%
$2,176/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
393,389

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 Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $526/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $6,312/year.

Median household income is $23,453/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Tampa — common questions

Is Boston or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Tampa?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $526/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Tampa?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $23,453/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 Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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