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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

9.8% Tampa, FL is cheaper overall
16.7% 16.7% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.7% cheaper
Denver
132
Tampa
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Denver
101
Tampa
100
🚗 Transportation 4.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Tampa
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Tampa
95
⚡ Utilities 7.3% more
Denver
96
Tampa
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Tampa, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1121019.8% less
Housing13211016.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,45010.5% less
Median Home Price$540,000$365,00032.4% less
Groceries101100~Same
Transportation1051004.8% less
Healthcare104958.7% less
Utilities961037.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Tampa, FL
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Tampa (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Tampa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Tampa3.2%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Tampa27 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Tampa49
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Tampa37
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Tampa73°F
Population
Denver713,252
Tampa393,468

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 16.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Tampa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,450/month in Tampa — a difference of about $170 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Tampa?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Tampa?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Tampa?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $365,000 in Tampa — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Florida averages 0.80%.