Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Tampa, FL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Tampa, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 3.2% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tampa, FL to Phoenix, AZ?

Tampa, FL and Phoenix, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Tampa, FL

Tap to swap

Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.56/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tampa, FL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Tampa, FL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $131less	7.2%
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $85.76more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$963/mo	↓ $55.96less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$589/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$561/mo	↓ $12.57less	2.2%

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

📦Other

↓ 7.2%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$131

less

🏠Housing

↑ 3.2%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$85.76

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$55.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.3%

Tampa, FL

$570

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$18.59

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.2%

Tampa, FL

$574

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$12.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,390

↓ $460

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,510

↓ $450

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$1,750

↓ $540

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$2,330

↓ $600

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$110

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Phoenix

$367K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 13% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.