Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Tampa, FL is 30.9% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2315 per month.

What salary do I need in Tampa, FL to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $122,214.765 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 48.8% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Tampa, FL?

Moving from Boston, MA to Tampa, FL could save you approximately $2315 per month, or $27785 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Boston, MA

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Tampa, FL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.2K in Tampa, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,315

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$367K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Tampa, FL

Category	Boston, MA	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,703/mo	↓ $2,573less	48.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $546less	29.9%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$570/mo	↓ $173less	23.3%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$574/mo	↓ $142less	19.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,019/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.6%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,808/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 48.8%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$2,573

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 29.9%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$546

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.3%

Boston, MA

$743

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$173

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.8%

Boston, MA

$716

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$142

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.6%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$59.96

less

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$16.74

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,850

↓ $1,245

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,960

↓ $1,295

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$2,290

↓ $1,575

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,930

↓ $1,700

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$3,511

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Tampa

$961K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 62% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Tampa

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.