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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Boston is 48% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$2,093/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 18%
$94,755/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 27%
$710,400 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 48%
$2,176/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 23%
663,972
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $25,494/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Boston or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $25,494/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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach

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