Quick answer
Tampa is 6% cheaper than Austin overall. A $100K salary in Austin is equivalent to $94,000 in Tampa.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Tampa Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Tampa is 6% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+2% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$94,000
Austin vs Tampa: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,680/mo
+2%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,100/mo
+0%
Median home price
$548K
$390K
-29%
Avg monthly groceries
$380
$345
-9%
Avg monthly utilities
$175
$175
+0%
State income tax
None
None
—
Walk score
41/100
52/100
Tampa better
Transit score
34/100
34/100
Tied
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Tampa to maintain the same standard of living as your current Austin salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$56,000
$64,000
$80,000
$75,000
$85,000
$100,000
$94,000
$106,000
$120,000
$113,000
$128,000
$150,000
$141,000
$160,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Austin vs Tampa
Who Each City Is Best For
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
Tampa is best for
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓beach lifestyle seekers
- ✓retirees
FAQs
Is Austin or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is 6% cheaper than Austin overall. Tampa 1BR rent ($1,680/mo) vs Austin ($1,650/mo). Median home price: Tampa $390K vs Austin $548K.
How much salary do I need in Tampa to match $100K in Austin?
$94,000 in Tampa is equivalent to $100,000 in Austin based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+2% difference) and state taxes (Austin: None vs Tampa: None).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Tampa?
1BR: Austin $1,650/mo vs Tampa $1,680/mo (+2%). 2BR: Austin $2,100/mo vs Tampa $2,100/mo (+0%).
Does Austin or Tampa have lower taxes?
Austin (TX) has None state income tax. Tampa (FL) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$0.