Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Tampa is 85% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,567/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 34%
$71,302/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 35%
$375,300 ↑ 211%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 68%
$1,553/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 35%
393,389
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $24,674/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tampa or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Rochester?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Rochester?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $24,674/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New York?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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