Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Miami is 14% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,657/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 5%
$59,390/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 20%
$475,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 21%
$1,666/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 7%
446,663
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $11,912/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Tampa — common questions

Is Miami or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Tampa?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Tampa?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $11,912/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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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