The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Tampa | Orlando | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 109 | 111 | +2 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,550 | $1,600 | +$50 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $2,000 | $2,050 | +$50 |
| Median household income | $57,234 | $58,234 | +$1,000 |
| Population | 399,700 | 307,573 | -92,127 |
What salary you'd need in Orlando
To maintain your Tampa purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Orlando.
Tampa vs Orlando: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Orlando's cost-of-living index of 111 runs roughly 1.8% 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 Tampa averages $1,550/month, vs $1,600/month in Orlando — a +$50 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to +$50/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $600 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Tampa is $57,234, while Orlando runs $58,234 (+$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.