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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Tampa is 53% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,567/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 75%
$71,302/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 77%
$375,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 177%
$1,553/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 70%
393,389
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,175/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $14,100/year.

Median household income is $55,167/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Tampa or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Cambridge?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,175/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Cambridge?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $55,167/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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