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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Houston is 22% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,313/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 19%
$62,894/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 13%
$253,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 48%
$1,316/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 18%
2,300,419
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $8,408/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Tampa — common questions

Is Houston or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Tampa?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Tampa?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $8,408/year higher in Tampa.
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 Houston or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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