Performance
Score Breakdown
Aberdeen
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aberdeen is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
29% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Aberdeen's average rent is
45% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,081 | $1,951 | -45% |
| Groceries | $400 | $418 | -4% |
| Utilities | $180 | $294 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $92 | +172% |
| Monthly Total | $2,031 | $2,875 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 23% 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 Aberdeen is estimated at
$43,240 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $57,742 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $43,240 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,428 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $64,405 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Aberdeen has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
Tampa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 12 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Aberdeen.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aberdeen has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Aberdeen | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,189 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 36.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 1.70% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Aberdeen
Advantages
Aberdeen boasts a significantly lower cost of living, estimated to be 6% below the U.S. national average in 2026.
The average commute time in Aberdeen is exceptionally short, at just 11.9 minutes as of 2024.
The violent crime rate is 72% below the national average, contributing to a high safety score.
Aberdeen has a high industry diversity of 98.7%, indicating strong economic stability.
Avera St. Luke's Hospital was recognized among America's 100 Best for Coronary Intervention in 2026, highlighting quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
Aberdeen's population is currently declining, with a projected annual rate of -0.37% in 2026.
The city is largely car-dependent, with a walkability score of 39 and limited public transit options.
Employment in Aberdeen declined by -2.54% from 2023 to 2024.
Winters in Aberdeen are described as freezing, snowy, and windy, with an average January low of 6°F.
Some healthcare facilities, like Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, declined to respond to Leapfrog Group on several patient safety and equity measures.
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.
Aberdeen
#8South Dakota, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,081
Avg Salary
$57,742
Cost Index
94
Commute
12 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
1.70%
Livability
80
Business
75
Tampa
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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