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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Tampa is 12% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,567/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 16%
$71,302/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 35%
$375,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 8%
$1,553/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 16%
393,389
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $24,955/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Richardson — common questions

Is Tampa or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Richardson?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Richardson?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $24,955/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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