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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Philadelphia, PA

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

6.9% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
6.0% 6.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Tampa
110
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 6.0% more
Tampa
100
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Tampa
100
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 10.5% more
Tampa
95
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 4.9% more
Tampa
103
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index1011086.9% more
Housing110110~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,5003.4% more
Median Home Price$365,000$280,00023.3% less
Groceries1001066.0% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare9510510.5% more
Utilities1031084.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Philadelphia, PA
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.07%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Philadelphia to maintain your Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Philadelphia?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Tampa to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.