Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs College Station, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Tampa is 24% more expensive than College Station.

$1,567/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 25%
$71,302/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 27%
$375,300 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 13%
$1,553/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 19%
393,389
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $399/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $4,788/year.

Median household income is $19,526/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs College Station — common questions

Is Tampa or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and College Station?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $399/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or College Station?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $19,526/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and College Station

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette