Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Tampa is 4% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $72,170 in Tampa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Tampa scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Tampa (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
Amazon affiliate links