Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Sarasota is 31% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $51,852 in Sarasota.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Sarasota sits at 132 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $380,000 in Sarasota, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,800 in Sarasota.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boston scores 108 while Sarasota scores 104.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Sarasota (97).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $52,147 in Sarasota. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sarasota.
Amazon affiliate links