Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Tampa is 44% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,567/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 45%
$71,302/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 97%
$375,300 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 130%
$1,553/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 55%
393,389
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $708/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $8,496/year.

Median household income is $68,858/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Arlington — common questions

Is Tampa or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Arlington?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $708/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Arlington?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $68,858/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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