Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Tampa is 32% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,567/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 22%
$71,302/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 51%
$375,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 89%
$1,553/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 17%
393,389
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $36,070/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Tampa or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $36,070/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Arizona?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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