Is Houston, TX cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 6.3% cheaper than Tampa, FL. This translates to saving $473 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $144,320.388 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 18.9% cheaper than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

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

Moving from Tampa, FL to Houston, TX could save you approximately $473 per month, or $5680 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Tampa, FL

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $473/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Houston, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$473

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

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

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$245K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tampa, FL vs Houston, TX

Category	Tampa, FL	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $512less	18.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $165more	12.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$911/mo	↓ $108less	10.6%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $40.18less	2.2%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$552/mo	↓ $21.31less	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$562/mo	↓ $8.05less	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.9%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$512

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$165

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.6%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$108

less

📦Other

↓ 2.2%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$40.18

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.7%

Tampa, FL

$574

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$21.31

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.4%

Tampa, FL

$570

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$8.05

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,220

↓ $630

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,260

↓ $700

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$1,500

↓ $790

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$2,020

↓ $910

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$524

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Houston

$367K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 33% less expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa Calculate payment - Houston

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.