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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Houston, TX

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

5.0% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
16.4% 16.4% cheaper housing
6.0% 6.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.4% cheaper
Tampa
110
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 6.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Tampa
103
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index101965.0% less
Housing1109216.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,20017.2% less
Median Home Price$365,000$295,00019.2% less
Groceries100946.0% less
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9595~Same
Utilities1031062.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Houston, 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
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Houston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Houston70°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Houston2,304,580

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 16.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Houston?+
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 Houston?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Houston?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Texas averages 1.60%.