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Tampa, Florida

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

51
Overall Score

Tampa, Florida, a vibrant city on the Gulf Coast, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and growing economy. Originally inhabited by the Tocobaga and later a Spanish outpost, Tampa blossomed into a major port city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by industries like cigar manufacturing and phosphate mining. Today, it attracts new residents with its warm climate, waterfront lifestyle, and a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city offers a dynamic environment for both professionals and families, with a strong job market and a variety of recreational and cultural attractions.

About Florida

Florida, known as the "Sunshine State," offers a diverse character with a laid-back beach culture and vibrant city life, attracting a mix of residents including many transplants. Its economy, the fourth largest in the U.S. as of 2024, is driven by major industries such as tourism, real estate, agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial services, and healthcare and life sciences. Living in Florida generally entails a cost of living slightly higher than the national average, though it varies by city, with an average annual cost around $50,689 per person. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with abundant sunshine year-round, fostering an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Florida also boasts a tax-friendly environment with no state income tax.

419,635
Population
$65K
Avg Salary
100
Cost Index
51.4
Quality Score
How this 51/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 45 / 100 45.0 30% 13.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 100.0 43.8 25% 10.9
Economy & jobs Median household income: $84,114 Income needed to live here: $70,000 Unemployment rate: 4.8% 57.6 20% 11.5
Growth Population growth rate: 1.47% Job growth rate: 1.2% 52.9 15% 7.9
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 75 / 100 75.0 10% 7.5
Overall score 51.4

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=86), last refreshed 1 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Tampa

Featured local businesses in Tampa.

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Quality Scores

Business
75
Livability
70
Affordability
60
Growth
68

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Tampa is generally in line with the national average, though some aspects can be slightly higher. Housing costs, particularly for purchasing a home, have seen significant increases, reflecting the city's growing popularity. While utilities and transportation costs are comparable to or slightly above national averages, the absence of a state income tax in Florida can offset some expenses for residents. Overall, Tampa offers a balance between affordability and a high quality of life, making it an attractive option for many.

Average Rent
$1,800/mo
Groceries
$552/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$294/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$552.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Tampa's job market is robust and diverse, with a notable increase in private sector employment. In December 2024, the Tampa metro area saw a 1.2% increase in private sector jobs over the year, adding 17,500 positions. Key growth sectors include education and health services, manufacturing, financial activities, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The city is recognized as a top market for talent, attracting prime-age, high-earning, and college-educated workers. The unemployment rate in Tampa was 4.8% as of April 2026, which is slightly higher than the national average.

The average salary in Tampa is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $70,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Manufacturing +1.30% Education and Health Services +1.50% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services +1.00% Financial Activities +1.80% Accommodation and Food Services +0.80%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
74.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Tampa primarily relies on personal vehicles, with an average commute time of 24.8 minutes in 2024. While the city has an average Walk Score of 50, indicating that some errands can be accomplished on foot, walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Downtown Tampa and Channelside are among the most walkable areas. Public transportation options include buses and a historic streetcar, with a monthly transit pass costing around $65. The city's overall transit score is 31, suggesting a moderate level of public transport availability.

25 min
Avg Commute
31.00/10
Transit Score
50.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above the national average.

Questions about Tampa

What people ask about living in and moving to Tampa, Florida.

What are the main industries hiring in Tampa right now? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Tampa’s economy is diversified, with strong employment in finance, healthcare, tourism, and a growing technology sector. The city hosts a number of corporate headquarters, financial services firms, and a vibrant startup scene that often seeks software developers, data analysts, and IT support staff. For tech‑focused job seekers, checking the city’s economic development office website or statewide job boards can revea...

How does Tampa’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Tampa’s cost‑of‑living index is set at 100, which means it matches the national average. Your everyday expenses for groceries, transportation, and healthcare will be roughly in line with what you’d pay across the United States. Because the average salary in Tampa is about $65,000 per year, many residents find that their income comfortably covers typical expenses, especially when paired with the average rent of $1,800...

What should I know about moving to Tampa in terms of utilities and services? Moving Here 1 answer

When relocating to Tampa, start by setting up electricity, water, and gas accounts with the city’s utility providers; most allow online activation. Internet and cable services are offered by several regional carriers, and you can compare plans on their websites. If you have a vehicle, register it with the state motor vehicle department within 30 days of moving and obtain a local driver’s license. Don’t forget to upda...

How does the average salary in Tampa compare to the cost of living? General 1 answer

The average annual salary in Tampa is about $65,000, which aligns closely with the city’s cost‑of‑living index of 100 (the national average). With an average rent of $1,800 per month, a $70,000 salary would generally cover housing, transportation, food, and healthcare comfortably, leaving room for savings or discretionary spending. However, personal budgeting depends on lifestyle choices, family size, and debt obliga...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Tampa? Housing 1 answer

In Tampa the average rent across all apartment sizes is about $1,800 per month, according to recent data. One‑bedroom units in central areas tend to be close to that average, while smaller studios may be slightly lower and larger two‑bedrooms a bit higher. When budgeting, also factor in utilities, which can add $100‑$150 monthly, and any parking fees if you have a car. Checking local rental listings on major housing...

Is Tampa a safe city to live in? Safety 1 answer

Tampa’s safety score is 45 out of 100, indicating that crime levels are higher than the national average. Safety can vary widely by neighborhood, with some areas reporting lower incident rates and others experiencing more frequent property or violent crimes. The city’s police department provides crime maps and statistics on its official site, which can help you identify safer zones. When choosing a place to live, con...

What public transportation options are available in Tampa? Getting Around 1 answer

Tampa’s public transit is operated by the regional transit authority, which runs bus routes throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. The system includes regular daytime routes, limited‑service express lines, and a few commuter routes that connect to major employment centers. For shorter trips, there are also bike‑share programs and scooter rentals that operate in downtown and nearby neighborhoods. You can find sc...

Where can I find quality healthcare services in Tampa? Healthcare 1 answer

Tampa is served by several major medical centers and a network of community clinics that provide primary and specialty care. The city’s health department website lists hospitals, urgent‑care facilities, and physician groups, along with patient satisfaction scores and accreditation details. For a primary care doctor, you can search the state medical board’s provider directory or use health‑insurance member portals to...

How are public schools rated in Tampa? Schools & Education 1 answer

Tampa’s public schools are administered by the county school district, which publishes performance scores and school report cards on its website. Overall, the district offers a mix of high‑performing magnet programs, standard comprehensive schools, and schools with specialized curricula such as STEM or arts. Parents often look at standardized test results, graduation rates, and extracurricular options to gauge qualit...

What are the top free or low‑cost activities in Tampa? Things to Do 1 answer

Tampa offers a variety of affordable leisure options. Public parks and waterfront trails provide space for walking, jogging, and picnicking at no cost. The city’s cultural district hosts free outdoor concerts and art installations throughout the year, and several museums have designated free‑admission days or discounted tickets for residents. You can also explore historic neighborhoods on self‑guided walking tours us...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Tampa? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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