Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tampa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
34% higher compared to Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
46% higher than Tampa's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,850 | $1,951 | +46% |
| Groceries | $450 | $418 | +8% |
| Utilities | $180 | $294 | -39% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $92 | +172% |
| Monthly Total | $3,850 | $2,875 | +34% |
| Cost Index | 133 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 4% 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 Vancouver is estimated at
$90,480 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Vancouver | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,406 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $90,480 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,441 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $82,000 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tampa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
Vancouver scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vancouver leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vancouver | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 6.8x 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 | Vancouver | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,733,000 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.92% | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver offers a high quality of life due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, particularly in technology and trade.
Public transportation is extensive and efficient, reducing the need for car ownership.
Vancouver's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, especially housing, is exceptionally high.
Average rent in Vancouver is 33% above the national average.
Median home prices often outstrip median household incomes, making homeownership challenging.
Winters are characterized by frequent rain and cloudy skies.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue during peak hours.
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.
Vancouver
#4British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,850
Avg Salary
$72,406
Cost Index
133
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.92%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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