Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Austin is 19% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,655/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 5%
$91,461/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 22%
$512,700 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 27%
$1,747/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 11%
967,862
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $20,159/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Tampa — common questions

Is Austin or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Tampa?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Tampa?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $20,159/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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