Performance
Score Breakdown
Abbotsford
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Abbotsford is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
43% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Abbotsford's average rent is
45% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,079 | $1,951 | -45% |
| Groceries | $346 | $418 | -17% |
| Utilities | $156 | $294 | -47% |
| Transport | $68 | $120 | -43% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $92 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,649 | $2,875 | -43% |
| Cost Index | 110 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 54% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Abbotsford is estimated at
$31,234 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,589 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $31,234 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 31,445 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $64,800 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 62.00% | 70.00% |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Abbotsford.
From a growth perspective, Abbotsford is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tampa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Abbotsford | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 153,524 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.30% | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Abbotsford
Advantages
Abbotsford was ranked as the third most livable city in Canada in March 2026, largely due to its affordability.
The city's population is experiencing a significant growth rate of 3.3% year-over-year as of 2024.
The housing market showed signs of a rebound in early 2026, with increased sales across all property types compared to the previous year.
Townhome sales and benchmark prices increased in May 2026, indicating a strong segment of the housing market.
The Health Care and Social Assistance and Construction sectors have seen an increase in activity.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Abbotsford is 10% higher than the Canadian national average.
The Abbotsford-Mission CMA experienced a 7.2% unemployment rate in October 2025.
Approximately 4,900 jobs were lost in the Abbotsford-Mission area between August 2024 and August 2025.
Concerns about the quality of care at Abbotsford Regional Hospital were raised in late 2023.
Abbotsford received a low ranking for safety in a March 2026 study of Canadian cities.
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Abbotsford
#2British Columbia, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,079
Avg Salary
$34,589
Cost Index
110
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.30%
Unemployment
7.20%
Livability
73
Business
60
Tampa
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Abbotsford and Tampa.
Open Cost Calculator