Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Seattle is 73% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,998/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 22%
$121,984/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 42%
$912,100 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 59%
$2,220/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 30%
741,440
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $50,682/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Tampa — common questions

Is Seattle or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Tampa?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Tampa?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $50,682/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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