Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Tampa is 7% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,567/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ≈ Same
$71,302/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 14%
$375,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 16%
$1,553/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 5%
393,389
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,787/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Tampa or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $9,787/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Michigan?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Ann Arbor

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford