How Much Does It Cost to Live in Tampa, FL?

Are you thinking about moving to Tampa? Among the best places to live in the Southeast, The Big Guava offers affordable Southern living—whether you're moving across the country, from another state, or even if you move from a nearby city in Florida! Before moving, ask local movers questions and check out how much it costs to live in Tampa in 2025 by reading our guide below.

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Tampa?

The overall cost of living in Tampa is over 2.5% lower than the national average! You may pay slightly more for utilities and transportation, but you'll save money in areas like housing, healthcare, and goods and services.

Cost of Housing in Tampa

The house prices in Tampa are a major upside for those on a budget! Housing costs are nearly 13% lower than the national average—while average rent for Tampa apartments is about 13% more expensive than the national average. See the cost breakdown below.

Cost of Utilities in Tampa (Monthly)

Tampa's utilities cost slightly more than the national average. This is due to higher energy and phone prices, but only by a nearly negligible 0.73% and 1.37%, respectively. You won't need to worry too much about these prices thanks to saving money in other categories of spending!

Cost of Groceries in Tampa

Groceries in Cigar City are another area that costs more than the national average—by about 5.7%. The items that will cost significantly more include bread, eggs, and fresh orange juice. On the other hand, you'll save money on items like ground beef and bananas!

Cost of Healthcare in Tampa

A major plus of living in Tampa is the lower cost of healthcare. Overall, healthcare is 7.5% less expensive than the national average. You can expect to save 13% on doctor visits, 5.3% at the dentist, 10.6% at the optometrist, and 7.4% on prescriptions!

Cost of Transportation in Tampa

Transportation costs in Tampa are slightly higher than the national average. If commuters are looking for more ways to get money back into their budget, they can opt for Tampa's public transit options, which include streetcars, busses, water taxis, and more.

Cost of Goods & Services in Tampa

Tampa goods and services will save you some money overall by 5%. Not everything will save you money—items like pizza, shampoo, and beer will cost more. On the other hand, you'll find savings on hamburgers, wine, and beauty salon trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good salary for a single person in Florida?

A good salary to have for one person will depend on the area of Florida you choose to live in as well as your lifestyle. An ideal salary in Tampa, FL for one person will be around $42,763 after taxes. Singles and young professionals moving to Tampa can find affordable places to live or invest in Tampa real estate for more bang for their buck.

What is the cost of living in Tampa vs. Orlando?

The cost of living in Tampa is around 2.6% less expensive than the national average, while the cost of living in Orlando is 4.5% less than the national average. Both are fairly priced locations to live in, with Tampa's real estate coming in as more affordable, while Orlando tends to be more renter-friendly. Healthcare is another major category of cost difference between these cities, though both are more affordable than the national average. Ultimately, the affordability of these cities depends on your lifestyle, household size, and where in the area you live.

Is Tampa retiree-friendly?

Yes, Tampa is retiree-friendly—in fact, it's one of the best cities for retirement! Along with veterans affairs locations, Tampa hosts active adult communities as well as is home to great neighborhoods for retirees. With access to Tampa Bay, gorgeous beaches, fantastic weather, and plenty of things to do—including over 40 golf courses—retirees can find plenty of fun, peace, and community in their golden years while living in Tampa.

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