Tampa vs Boston: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
On median home value, Tampa comes in at $333,200 — 51% lower than Boston, where the median is $684,900.
Typical households bring in $66,802 a year in Tampa, versus $89,212 in Boston.
Median rent is $1,422 in Tampa, compared with $1,981 in Boston.
FEMA rates Tampa's natural-hazard risk higher than Boston's: Relatively High versus Relatively Moderate.
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 388,768 | 665,945 |
| Median home value | $333,200 | $684,900 |
| Median household income | $66,802 | $89,212 |
| Median gross rent | $1,422 | $1,981 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively Moderate |
Tampa, FL comes out ahead on housing affordability versus Boston, MA, with both a lower median home value and lower rent. Housing only — not the full cost-of-living picture.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.