Performance
Score Breakdown
Tampa
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Miami is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% higher compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tampa's average rent is
21% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Tampa | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,951 | $2,460 | -21% |
| Groceries | $418 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $294 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $92 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,875 | $2,460 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 127 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 21% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
| Metric | Tampa | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,475 | $62,462 |
| Salary Needed | $53,832 | $0 |
| Purchasing Power | 72,572 idx | 49,183 idx |
| Household Income | $75,475 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tampa | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 71.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Miami scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Miami leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tampa | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/10 | 64.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 77.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Tampa.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Tampa | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 401,618 | 487,014 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.54% | 3.50% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $260.8B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Miami
Advantages
Vibrant multicultural environment and strong Latin American influence.
Thriving job market with growth in finance, tech, and healthcare sectors.
Beautiful beaches and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
High walkability scores in many neighborhoods, reducing car dependency.
Dynamic cultural scene with diverse dining, arts, and entertainment options.
Drawbacks
High cost of living, particularly housing expenses.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue.
Crime rates can be higher than the national average in certain areas.
High humidity and frequent rainfall during certain months.
Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Miami
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,460
Avg Salary
$62,462
Cost Index
127
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
64.0/10
Walkability
77.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Tampa and Miami.
Open Cost Calculator