Performance
Score Breakdown
New York City
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tampa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
100% higher compared to New York City.
Housing costs are a major driver: New York City's average rent is
142% higher than Tampa's.
| Metric | New York City | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $4,719 | $1,951 | +142% |
| Groceries | $500 | $418 | +20% |
| Utilities | $175 | $294 | -40% |
| Transport | $132 | $120 | +10% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $92 | +139% |
| Monthly Total | $5,746 | $2,875 | +100% |
| Cost Index | 179 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 2% 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 New York City is estimated at
$171,000 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | New York City | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $73,950 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $171,000 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 41,313 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $74,694 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | New York City | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 63.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tampa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to New York City.
New York City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, New York City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | New York City | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 41 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 90.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 88.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 85.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Low | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
New York City is the larger city
— approximately 21.1x the population of Tampa.
From a growth perspective, Tampa 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 | New York City | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,478,000 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.04% | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.60% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
New York City
Advantages
New York City's population grew by 1.04% between July 2023 and July 2024, indicating strong appeal and recovery.
The city's private sector added 115,000 jobs in 2024, demonstrating a robust and growing job market.
New York City companies raised $24 billion in venture capital in 2024, highlighting a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Overall major crime in New York City decreased by nearly 3% in 2024 compared to 2023, contributing to a safer urban environment.
New York City offers unparalleled cultural and entertainment opportunities, with world-class theaters, museums, and dining.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in New York City is 79% higher than the national average, primarily driven by extremely high housing costs.
A single adult needs an estimated $171,000 before taxes to live comfortably in New York City.
The average one-way commute time in New York City was 40.6 minutes in 2024, making it one of the longest in the U.S.
New York State's hospital quality ratings are among the lowest in the U.S., with an average of 2.5 out of 5 stars in 2025.
Felony assaults in New York City increased by 4.9% in 2024 and remain 40.4% above 2019 levels, contributing to lingering safety concerns.
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.
New York City
#40New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$4,719
Avg Salary
$73,950
Cost Index
179
Commute
41 min
Transit Score
90.0/10
Walkability
88.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.04%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
68
Business
80
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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