Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Tampa, FL is 6.7% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $505 per month.

What salary do I need in Tampa, FL to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $156,062.176 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 23.4% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Tampa, FL?

Living in Tampa, FL costs approximately $505 more per month than Houston, TX, or $6062 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Houston, TX

Tap to swap

Tampa, FL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $505/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Tampa, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$505

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$367K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Tampa, FL

Category	Houston, TX	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,703/mo	↑ $512more	23.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $165less	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$1,019/mo	↑ $108more	11.8%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $40.18more	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$574/mo	↑ $21.31more	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$570/mo	↑ $8.05more	1.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 23.4%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$512

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.4%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$165

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.8%

Houston, TX

$911

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$108

📦Other

↑ 2.3%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$40.18

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.9%

Houston, TX

$552

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$21.31

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.4%

Houston, TX

$562

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$8.05

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,850

↑ $630

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,960

↑ $700

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$2,290

↑ $790

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,930

↑ $910

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$524

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Tampa

$245K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 49% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.