Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Tampa is 4% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe 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: Florida salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tampa has a housing index of 108 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Tampa costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Tampa versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Tampa scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tampa (97) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Tampa is $52,594 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
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