Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Tampa, FL is 40.1% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3009 per month.

What salary do I need in Tampa, FL to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $113,895.349 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 64.1% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Tampa, FL?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Tampa, FL could save you approximately $3009 per month, or $36105 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

Tap to swap

Tampa, FL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.0K/month moving to Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.9K in Tampa, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,009

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.1K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:60

Median Home:$367K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Tampa, FL

Category	Seattle, WA	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,703/mo	↓ $4,834less	64.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $615less	32.4%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$570/mo	↓ $254less	30.8%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,808/mo	↓ $167less	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$574/mo	↑ $92.89more	19.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,019/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 64.1%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$4,834

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$615

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 30.8%

Seattle, WA

$824

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$254

less

📦Other

↓ 8.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$167

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

Seattle, WA

$481

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$92.89

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.6%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$59.96

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,850

↓ $330

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,960

↓ $300

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,290

↓ $340

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,930

↓ $510

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$5,837

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Tampa

$808K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 55% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.