Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Tampa is 20% more affordable than Miami. A $75,000 salary in Miami is equivalent to $60,236 in Tampa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Miami has a housing index of 172 while Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Miami costs $450,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Miami versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Miami scores 108 while Tampa scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Miami (99) are higher than Tampa (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Miami is $44,268 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
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