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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Washington, DC

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

28.7% Washington, DC is more expensive overall
47.3% 47.3% more expensive housing
8.0% 8.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.3% more
Tampa
110
Washington
162
🛒 Groceries 8.0% more
Tampa
100
Washington
108
🚗 Transportation 22.0% more
Tampa
100
Washington
122
🏥 Healthcare 15.8% more
Tampa
95
Washington
110
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Tampa
103
Washington
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Washington, DC Difference
Overall Cost Index10113028.7% more
Housing11016247.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,20051.7% more
Median Home Price$365,000$620,00069.9% more
Groceries1001088.0% more
Transportation10012222.0% more
Healthcare9511015.8% more
Utilities103105~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Washington, DC
State Income TaxNone (0%)10.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Washington, DC
$105,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Washington outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Washington (130). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Washington4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Washington2.4%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Washington34 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Washington77
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Washington42
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Washington57°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Washington689,545

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Washington cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 47.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Washington?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $2,200/month in Washington — a difference of about $750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Washington?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $105,000 in Washington. 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 Washington?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $620,000 in Washington — a difference of $255,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while District of Columbia averages 0.56%.