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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

33.7% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
56.4% 56.4% more expensive housing
10.0% 10.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 56.4% more
Tampa
110
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 10.0% more
Tampa
100
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 18.0% more
Tampa
100
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 21.1% more
Tampa
95
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 8.7% more
Tampa
103
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10113533.7% more
Housing11017256.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,60079.3% more
Median Home Price$365,000$700,00091.8% more
Groceries10011010.0% more
Transportation10011818.0% more
Healthcare9511521.1% more
Utilities1031128.7% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Boston, MA
State Income TaxNone (0%)9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Boston51°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 56.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Boston?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Tampa to Boston?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Tampa vs Boston?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $335,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.