Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Tampa, FL is 32.2% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2418 per month.

What salary do I need in Tampa, FL to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $120,986.842 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 56.5% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Tampa, FL?

Moving from Washington, DC to Tampa, FL could save you approximately $2418 per month, or $29013 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Tampa, FL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.0K in Tampa, FL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,418

Savings

Annual Impact

$29.0K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$367K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Tampa, FL

Category	Washington, DC	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,703/mo	↓ $3,508less	56.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $601less	31.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$574/mo	↑ $65.57more	12.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$570/mo	↓ $61.96less	9.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,019/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.6%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,808/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.5%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$3,508

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.9%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$601

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.9%

Washington, DC

$508

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$65.57

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.8%

Washington, DC

$632

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$61.96

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.6%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$59.96

less

📦Other

↓ 0.9%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$16.74

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,850

↓ $300

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,960

↓ $255

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$2,290

↓ $180

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$2,930

↓ $185

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$4,182

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Tampa

$556K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 34% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $11.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$929

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.