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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Tampa is 10% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,567/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 22%
$71,302/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 31%
$375,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 6%
$1,553/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 2%
393,389
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $22,069/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Surprise — common questions

Is Tampa or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Surprise?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Surprise?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $22,069/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Surprise details →

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