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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Dallas, TX

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

1.0% Dallas, TX is more expensive overall
1.8% 1.8% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Tampa
110
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Tampa
95
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Tampa
103
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index101102~Same
Housing110108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,4003.4% less
Median Home Price$365,000$340,0006.8% less
Groceries100973.0% less
Transportation100101~Same
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities103104~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Dallas, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Dallas outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Dallas1,288,457

Moving from Tampa to Dallas?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Dallas?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Tampa to Dallas?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. 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 Tampa vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Texas averages 1.60%.