Irving vs Tampa
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Irving
Tampa
💡 The Verdict
Irving is 17% cheaper than Tampa overall. A $75,000 salary in Irving is equivalent to $90,000 in Tampa.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Irving (left) vs Tampa (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Irving versus Tampa. Differences shown from Irving perspective.
| Item | Irving | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $590/mo | $1,210/mo | $-620.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $850/mo | $1,700/mo | $-850.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,090/mo | $2,230/mo | $-1140.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.54 | $2.84 | $-0.30 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.28 | $4.00 | $-0.72 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.07 | $3.89 | $-0.82 |
| Coffee (latte) | $4.90 | $6.15 | $-1.25 |
| Gas (gallon) | $2.95 | $3.34 | $-0.39 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15.87 | $18.85 | $-2.98 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Irving has the same purchasing power as $90,000 in Tampa.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tampa equals $62,500 in Irving.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
Both states have similar effective tax rates on this salary level. Texas details → · Florida details →
Reading These Numbers: Irving (85) vs Tampa (102)
Irving at 85 is 15% below the US average, while Tampa at 102 is 2% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Irving, the composite index of 85 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 79, followed by groceries (87), utilities (80), transportation (84), and healthcare (86). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $850/mo in Irving and $1,700/mo in Tampa, the annual rent difference is approximately $10,200.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $51,000.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $91,000.0 difference in median home prices between Irving and Tampa translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Irving vs Tampa
Choosing between Irving and Tampa involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Irving and Tampa can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.