Is Boston, MA cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 44.7% more expensive than Tampa, FL. This translates to spending an extra $3350 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $190,194.175 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 95.2% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3350 more per month than Tampa, FL, or $40194 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Tampa, FL

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,350

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.2K

Per year

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

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:145

Median Home:$961K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tampa, FL vs Boston, MA

Category	Tampa, FL	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,573more	95.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $546more	42.6%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$743/mo	↑ $173more	30.4%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$716/mo	↑ $142more	24.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $59.96more	5.9%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $16.74more	0.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 95.2%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,573

🚗Transportation

↑ 42.6%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$546

🏥Healthcare

↑ 30.4%

Tampa, FL

$570

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$173

⚡All Utilities

↑ 24.8%

Tampa, FL

$574

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$142

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$59.96

📦Other

↑ 0.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$16.74

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$3,095

↑ $1,245

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$3,255

↑ $1,295

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$3,865

↑ $1,575

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$4,630

↑ $1,700

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,511

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Boston

$367K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 162% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$625

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.