Florida vs Massachusetts
Property‑Tax Comparison: Florida vs. Massachusetts
Intro
Both Florida and Massachusetts levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. The data below allows a direct side‑by‑side assessment of these key metrics.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Florida | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.79 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $325,000 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,555 | $5,813 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,966 | $2,764 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,931 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $71,711 | $101,341 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Florida
- Rate difference: 0.32 percentage points, which is a 28.89 % lower effective rate than Massachusetts.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $798 less in Florida ($1,966 vs. $2,764).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,597 less in Florida ($3,931 vs. $5,528).
The lower effective rate in Florida translates into consistently smaller yearly tax bills across comparable home price points. For a more detailed look at each state’s tax structure, see the internal pages on Florida property tax and Massachusetts property tax.
Which Homeowners Might Prefer One State Over the Other?
| Audience | Potential Advantages in Florida | Potential Advantages in Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| First‑time homebuyers | Lower annual tax outlay; lower median home price may improve affordability. | Higher median home price but higher household income could offset tax burden for higher‑earning buyers. |
| Retirees | Reduced property‑tax expense can stretch fixed incomes; Florida’s overall lower cost of living aligns with many retirement plans. | Higher household income may accommodate higher taxes, and Massachusetts offers extensive health‑care resources that some retirees value. |
| High‑value property owners | Even on a $500k home, the tax bill remains lower than in Massachusetts. | Owners of very high‑value homes may benefit from Massachusetts’ strong public‑service funding, though the tax bill will be higher. |
| Investors | Lower property‑tax rates can improve net rental yields. | Higher property values may yield larger appreciation potential, but tax costs are higher. |
These observations are purely based on the property‑tax figures and median income data provided; they do not consider other state‑specific factors such as income tax, sales tax, or local cost‑of‑living variations.
Summary
- Effective property‑tax rate: Florida 0.79 % vs. Massachusetts 1.11 % (Florida lower).
- Median annual tax: $2,555 (FL) vs. $5,813 (MA).
- Tax on typical homes: Florida consistently charges less for both $250k and $500k properties.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Florida offers a lower property‑tax burden, while Massachusetts exhibits higher median home values and household incomes that may offset the higher tax rates for some residents. The choice between the two states should therefore consider both tax implications and broader financial circumstances.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.