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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

18.5% Tampa, FL is cheaper overall
29.5% 29.5% cheaper housing
7.4% 7.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.5% cheaper
Seattle
156
Tampa
110
🛒 Groceries 7.4% cheaper
Seattle
108
Tampa
100
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Seattle
118
Tampa
100
🏥 Healthcare 13.6% cheaper
Seattle
110
Tampa
95
⚡ Utilities 13.2% more
Seattle
91
Tampa
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Tampa, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index12410118.5% less
Housing15611029.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,45029.3% less
Median Home Price$780,000$365,00053.2% less
Groceries1081007.4% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1109513.6% less
Utilities9110313.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Tampa, FL
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.50%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Tampa (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Tampa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Tampa3.2%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Tampa27 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Tampa49
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Tampa37
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Tampa73°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Tampa393,468

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 29.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Tampa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,450/month in Tampa — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Tampa?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Tampa?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Tampa?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $365,000 in Tampa — a difference of $415,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Florida averages 0.80%.