Miami vs Tampa

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Miami feels like approximately $59,509 in Tampa.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Miami feels like $59,509 in Tampa. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 15%.

Income
Housing

Miami

Tampa

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
high
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,995/mo
 
$1,696/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Miami attracts remote workers maintaining higher-market salaries with Florida's no-income-tax advantage. The wage-to-housing gap makes it less suitable for those earning local Miami wage scales.
 
Tampa is a strong remote work market with no state income tax, improving cultural amenities, and Gulf Coast access.
Walk Score
77
 
50
Getting By
$60-80k · Miami vs Tampa
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Miami, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.

No city is objectively better. Miami and Tampa each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Miami vs Tampa — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Miami or Tampa?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,995/mo in Miami and $1,696/mo in Tampa. Tampa has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Tampa to match Miami?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Miami feels like approximately $59,509 in Tampa — a reduction of about 15% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Miami and Tampa?

Miami is in FL (no state income tax) and Tampa is in FL (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.