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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Tampa, FL

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.9% Tampa, FL is cheaper overall
6.8% 6.8% cheaper housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 6.8% cheaper
Austin
118
Tampa
110
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Austin
96
Tampa
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Tampa
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Austin
97
Tampa
95
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Austin
99
Tampa
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Tampa, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index103101~Same
Housing1181106.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,450~Same
Median Home Price$425,000$365,00014.1% less
Groceries961004.2% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare97952.1% less
Utilities991034.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Tampa, FL
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tampa costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Tampa to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Tampa (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Tampa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Tampa3.2%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Tampa27 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Tampa49
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Tampa37
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Tampa73°F
Population
Austin979,882
Tampa393,468

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Tampa → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Tampa →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Tampa vs Portland → Tampa vs Phoenix → Tampa vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Tampa cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 6.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Tampa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,450/month in Tampa — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Tampa?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Tampa?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $62,000 in Tampa. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Tampa?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $365,000 in Tampa — a difference of $60,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Florida averages 0.80%.