Tampa vs Plano

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.

💰 Salary Equivalence

To maintain the same standard of living:

See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Texas salaries

Living in Tampa vs Plano

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tampa has a housing index of 108 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Tampa costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Tampa versus $1,700 in Plano.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Tampa scores 103 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Tampa (97) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Tampa is $52,594 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.

Relocating: Tampa vs Plano

If you are considering a move between Tampa (index: 102) and Plano (index: 109), the 6% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Tampa is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.

Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Tampa can afford $1,227/month, while the median household in Plano can afford $2,248/month. With median homes at $340,000 in Tampa versus $400,000 in Plano, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Tampa and $1,700/month in Plano, renters face similar costs in both cities. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.

Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Tampa. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.

Reading These Numbers: Tampa (102) vs Plano (109)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Tampa at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Plano at 109 is 9% above average. Both cities are close to the national average in overall costs.

A 7-point index spread separates Plano from Tampa, a moderate gap that adds up across monthly bills but is manageable with a typical dual-income household budget. Housing shows the widest single-category margin at 108 versus 123, making it the area where residents will feel the most day-to-day price difference between Tampa and Plano. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Tampa with indices of 108 versus 123. Median home prices of $340,000 in Tampa and $400,000 in Plano underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Tampa has an edge in housing and utilities, while Plano is more affordable for groceries. Your actual savings depend on which categories consume the biggest share of your personal budget.

For renters: With median rents of $1,700/month in Tampa and $1,700/month in Plano, the annual rent difference is approximately $0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $60,000 difference in median home prices between Tampa and Plano translates to roughly $3,600 per month 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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