Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Orlando, FL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Tampa and Orlando have a similar cost of living.

$1,567/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↑ 5%
$71,302/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 3%
$375,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$359,000 ↓ 4%
$1,553/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↑ 4%
393,389
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $2,034/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Orlando — common questions

Is Tampa or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Orlando?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Orlando?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $2,034/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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