Tampa vs Scottsdale

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 · Arizona salaries

Living in Tampa vs Scottsdale

Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tampa has a housing index of 108 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Tampa costs $340,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Tampa versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.

Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Tampa scores 103 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.

Healthcare costs in Tampa (97) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.

Median household income in Tampa is $52,594 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.

Relocating: Tampa vs Scottsdale

If you are considering a move between Tampa (index: 102) and Scottsdale (index: 123), the 17% 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 Scottsdale can afford $2,154/month. With median homes at $340,000 in Tampa versus $580,000 in Scottsdale, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.

Renting vs buying: At $1,700/month in Tampa and $2,000/month in Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale (123)

The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Tampa at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Scottsdale at 123 is 23% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.

Scottsdale costs meaningfully more than Tampa, with a 21-point composite gap that translates to real differences in rent, groceries, and daily expenses. The biggest category divergence is housing, where Tampa scores 108 and Scottsdale scores 162. That 54-point gap is the primary driver of the overall cost difference between these two metros. Housing, the largest line item for most households, favors Tampa with indices of 108 versus 162. Median home prices of $340,000 in Tampa and $580,000 in Scottsdale underscore this gap. Neither city is cheaper across the board: Tampa has an edge in housing, while Scottsdale is more affordable for transportation and healthcare. 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 $2,000/month in Scottsdale, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,600. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $18,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.

For homebuyers: The $240,000 difference in median home prices between Tampa and Scottsdale translates to roughly $14,400 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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