Tampa offers some of everything that’s great about Florida. You’ve got warm weather in the winter, the inviting Gulf of Mexico, theme parks, and fantastic dining. It's not quite as flashy as a city like Miami, but it still offers a vibrant lifestyle with a mix of urban and suburban areas. You'll find plenty of things to do, from exploring museums and catching a professional sporting event to relaxing on the beach and enjoying the nightlife.
With the allure of no state income taxes, warm weather, three pro sports teams, and the beautiful Gulf Coast, there's lots to love about Tampa. However, as a renter, you probably want more information about the area before you decide whether it's right for you. One thing to note about Tampa apartments - the buildings are likely to be older. So you might start researching early if you want to live in a new model.
Still interested in learning more about Tampa? Keep reading.
Average Rent in Tampa
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
How Much Is Rent for a Studio Apartment in Tampa?
On average, expect to pay around $1,778 per month for a studio apartment in Tampa.
How Much Is Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Tampa?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tampa is approximately $2,087 per month.
How Much Is Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Tampa?
In Tampa, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $2,536 per month.
How Much Is Rent for a 3-Bedroom Apartment in Tampa?
A 3-bedroom apartment in Tampa will cost, on average, $3,422 per month.
Transportation in Tampa
Tampa's public transportation system is decent, but not the most extensive. Here's what renters should know to get around:
- HART Bus System: The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates a bus system that covers most of Tampa. It's a budget-friendly option, but travel times can be long, and schedules may not perfectly align with your needs.
- Trolley System: There are also trolley lines that run through specific areas, like downtown Tampa and Ybor City. These can be a convenient way to get around those areas, but they're limited in scope.
- Biking: Tampa is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and bike share programs like Coast Bike Share.
With all of that being said, most people in Tampa drive, and you may want to consider purchasing a care if you're moving to the area.
Weather in Tampa
Considered by many to be the lightning strike capital of the world, Tampa promises lots of heat, humidity and yes, flashy bolts of organic electricity firing down from the sky. While that can be dangerous, or a nuisance, or just pretty cool, we can thankfully report that Lightning strikes – meaning actual assaults by members of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team on unsuspecting civilians – are on the decline. The summers are quite hot and humid here, and hurricanes are also an occasional concern.
Pet-Friendly Apartment Hunting in Tampa
Finding a pet-friendly apartment in Tampa can feel overwhelming, but don't despair! While the city boasts a vibrant mix of cultures and energy, pet policies can vary significantly.
- Weight restrictions: While dogs are popular even in the busiest parts of the city, be aware that many buildings (especially high-rises) have weight limits for pets, often stricter than other locations.
- Building size and amenities: Larger buildings and those with dedicated pet amenities like dog runs are more likely to be pet-friendly.
The good news? Tampa offers a surprising number of pet-friendly options. Here are some resources. Furthermore, major rental listing websites like Apartment List allow filtering by pet-friendliness. Simply select “Dog-Friendly” or “Cat-Friendly” in your preferences when you start your search.
FAQs about Apartments in Tampa
Is Tampa expensive to rent?
At an average of $2,087 for a one-bedroom, Tampa is cheaper than some cities like New York and San Francisco, but it is on the more expensive side compared to the country overall. You would want to earn at least $85,000 a year in order to comfortably rent a one-bedroom in Tampa.
How much is rent in Tampa 2024?
According to our data from March 2024, one-bedrooms in Tampa cost around $2,087 a month and 2-bedrooms around $2,536. Median rent, however, was down 1.5% over the previous year.
Is it cheaper to live in Tampa or Miami?
While a one-bedroom in Tampa rents for around $2,087, one-bedrooms in Miami cost closer to $2,877 a month according to our current listings. That makes Miami noticeably more expensive to rent in than Tampa.
Tampa Neighborhoods
In many ways, Tampa is like a big cluster of small towns. Clusters, when they’re made of nuts and honey, are often delicious in cereal, but in a city? That’s up to you to decide.
Downtown Tampa
Chock full of business, the downtown area is also emerging as a rental area with newer condos and construction. Much of the city’s culture can be found here at places like the Tampa Theater, St. Pete Times Forum and the University of Tampa. Ybor City, the famous Cigar-inspired neighborhood, is just northeast of downtown and home to a few thousand Tampa residents. Westshore is Tampa’s core business center, but some rentals are here as well.
New Tampa
This area is home to a lot of renters, and has seen a lot of growth over the past two decades. There’s a good chance you’ll have a few places from New Tampa on your short list.
North Tampa
While the neighborhood of North Tampa itself is sparsely populated, it’s also adjacent to the University area which is home to the University of South Florida and plenty of apartments.
South Tampa
Home to MacDill Air Force Base and thousands of its employees, South Tampa is a more prosperous area. Lots of nice rentals are available in this desirable region.
West Tampa
Cultures converge here as a large Hispanic population calls this area home. There are both newer and older rental options here.
