Killeen vs Tampa
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Killeen
Tampa
💡 The Verdict
Killeen is 10% cheaper than Tampa overall. A $75,000 salary in Killeen is equivalent to $83,152 in Tampa.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Killeen (left) vs Tampa (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Killeen versus Tampa. Differences shown from Killeen perspective.
| Item | Killeen | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,060/mo | $1,210/mo | $-150.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,420/mo | $1,700/mo | $-280.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,880/mo | $2,230/mo | $-350.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.58 | $2.84 | $-0.26 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.16 | $4.00 | $-0.84 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.87 | $3.89 | $-1.02 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.70 | $6.15 | $-0.45 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.09 | $3.34 | $-0.25 |
| Restaurant Meal | $17.86 | $18.85 | $-0.99 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Killeen has the same purchasing power as $83,152 in Tampa.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tampa equals $67,647 in Killeen.
💼 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: Killeen (92) vs Tampa (102)
Killeen at 92 is 8% below the US average, while Tampa at 102 is 2% above average. The cost difference between these cities is relatively modest.
In Killeen, the composite index of 92 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 103, followed by groceries (92), utilities (87), transportation (92), and healthcare (93). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $1,420/mo in Killeen and $1,700/mo in Tampa, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,360.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $16,800.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $32,000.0 difference in median home prices between Killeen 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: Killeen vs Tampa
Choosing between Killeen 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 Killeen 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.