Quick answer
⚠️ Possible, but a stretch. A nurse in Tampa earns roughly $90,966/yr (~$5,636/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,680/mo — that's 30% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
FL · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse Afford to Live in Tampa?
Using local salary estimates and Tampa's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a nurse in Tampa, FL in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$90,966/yr local estimate
$7,581
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$1,945
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$5,636
1BR rent
30% of take-home
-$1,680
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$175
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$345
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$3,086
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Tampa could save roughly $14,808/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 30% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 30% of take-home pay, a nurse in Tampa is above the recommended threshold. Not impossible, but you'll need to keep non-rent expenses lean.
No state income tax in FL meaningfully helps. A nurse earning $90,966/yr saves roughly $4,093/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $90,966/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/yr based on Tampa's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for a Registered Nurse
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
South Tampa (Hyde Park / Palma Ceia)
Upscale waterfront homes, Hyde Park Village retail, walkable corridor, families; 1BR $1,900–2,500
Seminole Heights
Bungalows, craft beer culture, young professionals, best value in Tampa; 1BR $1,400–1,800
Ybor City
Historic Cuban district, brick streets, nightlife, affordable, gentrifying; 1BR $1,300–1,700
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Tampa?
A Registered Nurse in Tampa earns approximately $90,966 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Tampa's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Tampa affordable for a nurse in 2026?
It's a stretch. Rent takes 30% of take-home pay — above the recommended 30%. Sharing a 2BR or targeting higher-paying employers makes more sense.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Tampa?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $90,966/yr takes home roughly $5,636/month in Tampa.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Tampa?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Tampa costs a median of $1,680/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 30% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.