Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Tampa is 5% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,567/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 9%
$71,302/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 3%
$375,300 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 1%
$1,553/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 7%
393,389
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $2,041/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Tampa or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $2,041/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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