Cost of Living in Tampa, FL [2025]

Tampa is known as the economic center of western Florida, with its booming tourist attractions and professional sports teams competing in three major leagues. This region is also home to picturesque Gulf Coast beaches with nearly 250 days of sunshine annually. There are countless indoor and outdoor activities for families of all ages, making Tampa a wonderful place to call home.

Historically, Tampa’s roots trace back to the 19th century, with the establishment of Fort Brooke following the US possession of Florida from Spain. Shortly after, Tampa became incorporated in 1855. While the town’s growth was initially slow, by the 20th century, Tampa would be known as a modern trade, financial, and commercial hub.

So, if you're thinking about making a move to Tampa, you’ll want to get a better idea of the anticipated costs. Keep reading for a closer look at the cost of living in Tampa to better understand how much you'll need to live there comfortably.

Cost of Living in Tampa, FL

What Is the Cost of Living in Tampa, FL?

The cost of living in Tampa is 4.2% more than the average U.S. city. Residents spend, on average, $4,933 a month, or $59,893 a year.

Let's find out how that cost breaks down by category.

Cost of Living in Tampa vs. Florida vs. U.S.

Where Is the Cost of Living Highest in Tampa, FL?

One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida, is Uptown. According to our data from September 2025, the rent ranges from $1,950 to $2,431 for a one-bedroom. For a two-bedroom, the range ranges from $2,550 to $4,100. This is compared to the overall median rent in Tampa, which is $1,568

Where Is the Cost of Living Most Affordable in Tampa, FL?

One of the most affordable neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida, is North Tampa. According to our data from September 2025, the rent ranges from $1,100 to $1,700 for a one-bedroom. For a two-bedroom, the range ranges from $1,350 to $1,650. This is compared to the overall median rent in Tampa, which is $1,568

What Is the Average Rent in Tampa, FL?

Rent in Tampa is surprisingly affordable for a major city. The current median one-bedroom rent in Tampa is $1,327 a month, which is slightly cheaper by 1.3% than it was last year. Two-bedroom rates are closer to $1,657.

If you're uncertain about a neighborhood, consider a month-to-month apartment before making a long-term 12-month commitment. If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no credit check apartments. Lastly, if you prefer to rent from the owner of an apartment and have a more personal relationship with them rather than property managers, consider a for rent by owner apartment.

Median Rent Prices in Tampa

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Tampa, FL?

Tampa rent costs have remained the same over the past month, and depending on where you live, the city can be very affordable. The current median one-bedroom rent in Tampa is $1,327 a month, but varies by neighborhood.

Average Rent by Area in Tampa, Florida

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Tampa?

Tampa rent costs have remained the same over the past month, and depending on where you live, the city can be very affordable. The current median two-bedroom rent in Tampa is $1,657 a month, but varies by neighborhood.

Average Rent by Area in Tampa, Florida

How Much Is Housing in Tampa?

The Tampa housing market has also seen steady growth, with median home prices at $381,000. In Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville, median home prices are $524,600, $369,400, and $280,200, respectively.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Tampa, FL?

Once you know what type of lifestyle you plan to lead in Tampa, you can determine your recommended salary. The living wage in Tampa is $26.28 per hour, the basic wage required to pay for essentials such as housing, food, and necessities. This wage, in particular, is based on a very frugal lifestyle and does not account for extra costs like dining out or catching live sports games. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Tampa is $59,893.

The living wage, median household income, and recommended salary differ, though.

For your best-recommended salary in Tampa, consider following the 30% rule for rent, which claims that you should not spend more than one-third, or 30%, of your gross income on rent to live comfortably. For example, if your rent is close to the median for a one-bedroom apartment in Tampa and costs $1,346, your monthly wages should be at least $4,486 or $53,832 annually.

While the recommended salary might sound easily attainable, it is recommended for those looking to lead a fundamental lifestyle, much like the living wage. You'll likely need to pursue a higher salary, a less expensive apartment, or both to enjoy the city fully.

Thankfully, the typical annual salaries for common professions in Tampa are highly competitive. The three highest typical annual salaries belong to Management, Legal, and Computer and Mathematical, respectively.

How Much Is Transportation in Tampa, FL?

The walk score in Tampa is 50, but plenty of public transportation options are readily available, as provided by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). The TECO Line Streetcar connects Channelside Bay Plaza to the historic Ybor City with multiple stops throughout the downtown and convention center core.

One-way fares through HART range from free (on the TECO Line Streetcar) to $3, depending on your service. Alternative payment options include 1-day unlimited, 31-day unlimited, 10-pack 1-day unlimited, 3-day unlimited, and monthly passports.

For those who prefer to get around with their vehicle, you will spend about $10,524 for transportation in Tampa over a year as a single adult without children. A family of four, including two working adults and two children, will pay $17,652 for transportation in one year. Gasoline prices are around $3.32 per gallon, slightly lower than the national average of $3.79.

How Much Are Groceries in Tampa?

Tampa is a cultural mixing pot for cuisine, blending influences from worldwide, including Cuba, Spain, Italy, the Southern United States, Mexico, and Asia. Some good eats you must try when living in Tampa include the Tuscan Frittata from Pinky’s Diner, some great seafood from Oystercatchers, and the Blackened Grouper Reuben sandwich from the Skipper’s Smokehouse.

With an average of $20 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, you can check out some good eats relatively cheaply. If you're looking for a higher-scale meal, like a three-course dinner for two people at a mid-range restaurant, you can expect to pay around $80 without alcohol or dessert.

In Tampa, single adults without children can expect to spend at least $4,584 on groceries. However, if you're a family of four with two working adults and two children, you can expect to pay $13,437 per year for food.

You can anticipate costs similar to or slightly above the national average for food items purchased from the local Whole Foods Market, Publix, or Sprouts Farmers Market. For example, one gallon of regular milk will run you $4.59 in the grocery store, with the national average being $4.03.

How Much Is Child Care in Tampa, FL?

In Tampa, child-care costs average roughly $10,306 yearly for one child, and $19,831 for two children.

If these prices feel steep, parents get creative to reduce them. Some possibilities include job‐sharing, co-ops, or nanny sharing with other families, which can reduce how much money is spent. In addition, remote work or flexible schedules might allow for lower-cost care or reduce total hours needed in full‐time daycare.

How Much Is Healthcare in Tampa, FL?

Regardless of where you live, one of your top priorities should always be maintaining your health. When looking into the cost of living in a particular area, you'll want to find out how much proper healthcare will cost to ensure you stay healthy in your new hometown.

Whether you prefer to visit your doctor minimally or have a medical condition requiring you to see them more regularly, having medical insurance in Tampa will help keep your costs more manageable. Additionally, health insurance is good because it can help you afford the care you need should any unfortunate emergencies arise.

You will want to account for proper medical care when planning your budget in Tampa, as healthcare should always be considered an essential cost. A single adult without children will pay around $2,658 for medical care over the year. Two working adults with two children will pay $8,649.

How Much Are Utilities in Tampa, FL?

Tampa’s basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, and average $225.98 a month.

Adding on the Internet with 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data, cable/ADSL will cost you an extra $70.88 for a total of $296.86 each month.

Before moving, it’s a good idea to find out how much utilities will cost in an apartment so you can get a better idea of what to expect and budget accordingly.

Tampa, FL, Fitness and Entertainment

There are countless fitness and entertainment opportunities throughout the city of Tampa, and with so much year-round sun, it is easy to get outdoors. But, even for the most active, summers can be brutal, so you will likely want to consider joining a local gym for workouts. Thankfully, these costs are relatively low, with a fitness club membership fee for one adult costing $36.71 monthly.

If you're looking for entertainment, you can purchase a seat at the local cinema for $15 without snacks or drinks. Otherwise, sports fans can check out an NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, an NHL Tampa Bay Lightning game, or an MLB Tampa Bay Rays game. As a bonus, six other MLB teams hold spring training in Tampa as well.

Tampa also has tons of other, more affordable entertainment options. You can visit museums, including some of the most popular, like the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum, or the Museum of Science and Industry. The city also has several parks for those who prefer to stay outdoors, including Lettuce Lake Park, Ballast Point Park, and Anderson Park.

How Much Are Taxes in Tampa, FL?

If the year-round sunshine isn’t enough to entice you, the low taxes might just do the trick. So many people find living in Florida appealing because it has no state income tax, though there are some other minimal taxes Floridians are expected to pay. Specifically, the sales tax rate in Tampa combines the Florida state sales tax rate of 6% with the Hillsborough County sales tax rate of 1.5% for a total rate of 7.5%.

Tampa’s Job Market

Tampa has a slightly less healthy job market compared to similar-sized metro areas. Today, the city's largest employers include MacDill Air Force Base and Publix Super Markets. Other notable employers are educational institutions like the University of South Florida and healthcare organizations like BayCare Health System.

The unemployment rate in Tampa is 3.8%, 0.5% below the current national average. Unfortunately, this rate took a significant hit due to the pandemic. Thankfully, Tampa sees a steady recovery as businesses become open once again.

Find Your Next Apartment in Tampa, FL

Tampa might be the place for you if you want to move to a vibrant city filled with countless indoor and outdoor activities, including a wide range of professional sports teams. If you want to move to Florida and Tampa, now might be a good time to start your research.

First, find out more information about the cost of living in Florida. Ready to find a new apartment? Get started on your Tampa apartment search with Apartment List. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs about Cost of Living in Tampa

How expensive is an apartment in Tampa, FL?

One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida, is Uptown. According to our data from September 2025, the rent ranges from $1,950 to $2,431 for a one-bedroom. For a two-bedroom, the range ranges from $2,550 to $4,100.

What is the cheapest rent in Tampa, FL?

One of the most affordable neighborhoods in Tampa, Florida, is North Tampa. Here, the rent ranges from $1,100 to $1,700 for a one-bedroom. For a two-bedroom, the range ranges from $1,350 to $1,650.

What is the population of Tampa, FL?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Tampa, FL, is 384,959. The population for the state of Florida is 22,610,726

What is a good salary in Tampa?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Tampa is $71,302, or about $34.27 an hour. The gold standard for budgeting is that your housing cost shouldn’t exceed 30% of your monthly income before taxes.

In Tampa, if the rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,500, a resident should make around $45,000 annually before taxes. This is $3,750 a month or $21.63 an hour.