Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Phoenix is 4% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,458/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 7%
$77,041/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 7%
$381,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 2%
$1,430/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 9%
1,624,832
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $5,739/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Tampa — common questions

Is Phoenix or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Tampa?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Tampa?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $5,739/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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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More Comparisons

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