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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

1.0% Tampa, FL is more expensive overall
3.8% 3.8% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.8% more
Phoenix
106
Tampa
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Tampa
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Phoenix
101
Tampa
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Phoenix
95
Tampa
95
⚡ Utilities 4.6% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Tampa
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Tampa, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index100101~Same
Housing1061103.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,45013.3% more
Median Home Price$370,000$365,000~Same
Groceries98100~Same
Transportation101100~Same
Healthcare9595~Same
Utilities1081034.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Tampa, FL
State Income Tax2.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.60%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Tampa (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Tampa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Tampa3.2%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Tampa27 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Tampa49
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Tampa37
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Tampa73°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Tampa393,468

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Tampa cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Tampa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,450/month in Tampa — a difference of about $170 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Tampa?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Tampa?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Tampa?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $365,000 in Tampa — a difference of $5,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Florida averages 0.80%.