Median rent is 25% lower in Tampa ($1,567/mo vs $2,093/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tampa, where the median home runs $375,300 versus $710,400. Households earn more in Boston ($94,755 vs $71,302 a year). Taken together, Tampa is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 112.2 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boston, MA.
Quick verdict
Tampa is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.9 in Tampa vs 112.2 in Boston (US average = 100)
City A
Boston, MA
City B
Tampa, FL
How much would you need to earn in Tampa, FL to maintain your standard of living from Boston, MA?
Equivalent salary in Tampa, FL
$66,756
You could earn $8,244 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boston
Massachusetts
Tampa
Florida
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Tampa — median rent of $1,567/mo versus $2,093/mo in Boston, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boston: the median home is $710,400 versus $375,300 in Tampa — 47% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Massachusetts tops out at 9.00% — giving Tampa a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 6.00% in Florida; Tampa has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boston
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Tampa
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Tampa has cleaner air on average: 29.0 AQI (Good) compared to 41.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Tampa if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 99.9 vs 112.2).
Pick Boston if you prioritize higher median household income ($94,755/yr).
Pick Tampa if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,567/mo median).
Pick Tampa if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 29.0).
Is Boston cheaper than Tampa?
Tampa is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 112.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Tampa.
How much is rent in Boston vs Tampa?
Median rent is $2,093/mo in Boston, MA and $1,567/mo in Tampa, FL. Tampa, FL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Boston or Tampa?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston, MA and $71,302 in Tampa, FL. Boston, MA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Tampa, FL has better air quality on average: 29.0 AQI versus 41.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boston or Tampa?
Florida has no state income tax. Massachusetts has a top rate of 9.00%.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match my Boston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boston, MA is equivalent to roughly $89,009 in Tampa, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology