Home › Compare › Tampa, FL vs Salt Lake City, UT

Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Salt Lake City, UT

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

4.0% Salt Lake City, UT is more expensive overall
9.1% 9.1% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.1% more
Tampa
110
Salt Lake City
120
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Tampa
100
Salt Lake City
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Salt Lake City
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Salt Lake City
96
⚡ Utilities 14.6% cheaper
Tampa
103
Salt Lake City
88

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Salt Lake City, UT Difference
Overall Cost Index1011054.0% more
Housing1101209.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$365,000$475,00030.1% more
Groceries10098~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1038814.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Salt Lake City, UT
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.65%
State Sales Tax6.00%6.10%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.52%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Salt Lake City outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Salt Lake City to maintain your Tampa lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Salt Lake City (105). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Salt Lake City2.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Salt Lake City3.7%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Salt Lake City22 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Salt Lake City57
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Salt Lake City55
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Salt Lake City52°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Salt Lake City204,657

Moving from Tampa to Salt Lake City?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Tampa vs Austin → Tampa vs Denver → Tampa vs Nashville → Salt Lake City vs Raleigh → Salt Lake City vs Portland → Salt Lake City vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Salt Lake City?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,350/month in Salt Lake City — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Salt Lake City?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $73,000 in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $475,000 in Salt Lake City — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Utah averages 0.52%.