The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Miami | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 125 | 109 | -16 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,800 | $1,550 | -$250 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $2,350 | $2,000 | -$350 |
| Median household income | $58,234 | $57,234 | -$1,000 |
| Population | 442,241 | 399,700 | -42,541 |
What salary you'd need in Tampa
To maintain your Miami purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Tampa.
Miami vs Tampa: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Miami's cost-of-living index of 125 runs roughly 12.8% higher than Tampa's 109. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Miami averages $1,800/month, vs $1,550/month in Tampa — a -$250 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to -$350/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $3,000 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Miami is $58,234, while Tampa runs $57,234 (-$1,000 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Both cities are in the same state, so state income tax is identical. The cost difference is purely local — rent, transit, groceries, and lifestyle.