Quick answer
Tampa is 13% cheaper than Phoenix overall. A $100K salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $87,000 in Tampa.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Phoenix 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 13% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+22% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$87,000
Phoenix vs Tampa: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,380/mo
$1,680/mo
+22%
2BR median rent
$1,720/mo
$2,100/mo
+22%
Median home price
$415K
$390K
-6%
Avg monthly groceries
$345
$345
+0%
Avg monthly utilities
$195
$175
-10%
State income tax
2.5%
None
Tampa saves
Walk score
41/100
52/100
Tampa better
Transit score
29/100
34/100
Tampa better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Tampa to maintain the same standard of living as your current Phoenix salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$52,000
$69,000
$80,000
$69,000
$92,000
$100,000
$87,000
$116,000
$120,000
$104,000
$139,000
$150,000
$130,000
$173,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Phoenix vs Tampa
Who Each City Is Best For
Phoenix is best for
- ✓remote workers
- ✓retirees
- ✓families on a budget
- ✓snowbirds
Tampa is best for
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓beach lifestyle seekers
- ✓retirees
FAQs
Is Phoenix or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is 13% cheaper than Phoenix overall. Tampa 1BR rent ($1,680/mo) vs Phoenix ($1,380/mo). Median home price: Tampa $390K vs Phoenix $415K.
How much salary do I need in Tampa to match $100K in Phoenix?
$87,000 in Tampa is equivalent to $100,000 in Phoenix based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+22% difference) and state taxes (Phoenix: 2.5% vs Tampa: None).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Tampa?
1BR: Phoenix $1,380/mo vs Tampa $1,680/mo (+22%). 2BR: Phoenix $1,720/mo vs Tampa $2,100/mo (+22%).
Does Phoenix or Tampa have lower taxes?
Phoenix (AZ) has 2.5% state income tax. Tampa (FL) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$2,500.