Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Philadelphia is 25% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,323/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 18%
$60,698/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 17%
$232,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 61%
$1,233/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 26%
1,582,432
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $10,604/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Tampa — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Tampa?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Tampa?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $10,604/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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