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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.6K/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $181.0K in Tampa, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 34.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$2,580
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$31.0K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Garden City, KS

Population:27K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$229K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K
Cost Index:
134
(34% above avg)
Median Home:$367K

Garden City, KS

The Sunflower State

27K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 27K residents.

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Major Tampa Bay area
  • •No state income tax
  • •Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Garden City, KS vs Tampa, FL

Housing
↑ 82.6%
Garden City, KS
$1,480
Tampa, FL
$2,703
Difference
$1,223
more
Other
↑ 23.7%
Garden City, KS
$1,462
Tampa, FL
$1,808
Difference
$346
more
Transportation
↑ 19.9%
Garden City, KS
$1,071
Tampa, FL
$1,284
Difference
$213
more
Groceries
↑ 21.4%
Garden City, KS
$840
Tampa, FL
$1,019
Difference
$180
more
All Utilities
↑ 13.5%
Garden City, KS
$505
Tampa, FL
$574
Difference
$68.25
more
Healthcare
↑ 3.7%
Garden City, KS
$550
Tampa, FL
$570
Difference
$20.24
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$598
To$1,850
↑ $1,252
1 Bed
From$598
To$1,960
↑ $1,362
2 Bed
From$788
To$2,290
↑ $1,502
3 Bed
From$1,083
To$2,930
↑ $1,847
Garden City, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$790/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$5,908
Monthly in Garden City, KS
$7,958
Monthly in Tampa, FL
$2,050
Difference

Home Values

Garden City
Tampa
$229K
Median Value
$367K
↑ +1.1%
YoY Change
↓ -4%
↑ +27.4%
5-Year Change
↑ +42.1%
$229K
Price Range
$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 60% more expensive than Garden City

Calculate payment - Garden CityCalculate payment - Tampa

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $8.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$702
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.6%
Rate difference

Garden City, KS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kansas State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,714/month
$104.6K

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Florida State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Garden City, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Garden City
Tampa
43 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
75.1%
Good Air Days
52.5%
97 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.2°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
38 days
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.2°F
61 days
Heat Days >95°F
38 days

What to Consider When Moving from Garden City, KS to Tampa, FL

Relocating from Garden City, KS to Tampa, FL involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is roughly 34% higher in Tampa, FL, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Tampa, FL is 83% more expensive than in Garden City, KS. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Tampa, FL pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Tampa, FL to match your current standard of living in Garden City, KS.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Tampa, FL for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Garden City, KS vs Tampa, FL

Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Garden City, KS?

Tampa, FL is approximately 34.4% more expensive than Garden City, KS overall. On a $150,000 salary, that translates to roughly $2,580/month in additional expenses. Housing is the biggest factor, costing 83% more in Tampa, FL.

What salary do I need in Tampa, FL to match my lifestyle in Garden City, KS?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Garden City, KS, you would need approximately $180,965 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Garden City, KS and Tampa, FL?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $788/month in Garden City, KS compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL. One-bedroom apartments are $598/month in Garden City, KS vs $1,960/month in Tampa, FL. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Garden City, KS or Tampa, FL?

Groceries are about 21% more expensive in Tampa, FL than in Garden City, KS, which adds roughly $180/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Garden City, KS to Tampa, FL?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kansas and Florida on TaxTakeHome.com

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