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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Tampa is 6% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,567/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 4%
$71,302/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 9%
$375,300 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 12%
$1,553/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ≈ Same
393,389
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $6,341/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Tempe — common questions

Is Tampa or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Tempe?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Tempe?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $6,341/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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