Median rent is 5% lower in Tampa ($1,567/mo vs $1,657/mo). Buying is cheaper in Tampa, where the median home runs $375,300 versus $475,200. Households earn more in Tampa ($71,302 vs $59,390 a year). Taken together, Tampa is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.9 against 111.9 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Tampa, FL.
Quick verdict
Tampa is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.9 in Tampa vs 111.9 in Miami (US average = 100)
City A
Miami, FL
City B
Tampa, FL
How much would you need to earn in Tampa, FL to maintain your standard of living from Miami, FL?
Equivalent salary in Tampa, FL
$66,914
You could earn $8,086 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
Miami
Florida
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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,657/mo in Miami and $1,567/mo in Tampa. Home buyers face a steeper market in Miami: the median home is $475,200 versus $375,300 in Tampa — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 6.00% in Florida; Tampa has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Miami
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Tampa
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Miami has cleaner air on average: 27.0 AQI (Good) compared to 29.0 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 111.9).
Pick Tampa if you prioritize higher median household income ($71,302/yr).
Is Miami cheaper than Tampa?
Tampa is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.9 versus 111.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Tampa.
How much is rent in Miami vs Tampa?
Median rent is $1,657/mo in Miami, FL and $1,567/mo in Tampa, FL. Tampa, FL has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Miami or Tampa?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami, FL and $71,302 in Tampa, FL. Tampa, FL 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?
Miami, FL has better air quality on average: 27.0 AQI versus 29.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Miami or Tampa?
Both Florida and Florida have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match my Miami income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Miami, FL is equivalent to roughly $89,218 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