Philadelphia vs Tampa

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Philadelphia feels like approximately $75,258 in Tampa.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Philadelphia feels like $75,258 in Tampa. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 8%.

Income
Housing

Philadelphia

Tampa

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,520/mo
 
$1,696/mo
State Tax
PA tax applies
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,624
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Philadelphia is increasingly explored by remote workers leaving higher-cost Northeastern metros. Its transit access, cultural density, and relative housing affordability make it a compelling option for those maintaining coastal salaries.
 
Tampa is a strong remote work market with no state income tax, improving cultural amenities, and Gulf Coast access.
Walk Score
75
 
50
Comfortable
$60-80k · Philadelphia vs Tampa
Income Reality Check

Your details stay on your device. Sharing generates an image only.

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

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,624/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Philadelphia, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

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

Related comparisons

Philadelphia vs New York CityPhiladelphia vs BaltimorePhiladelphia vs Pittsburgh
Philadelphia profile Tampa profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Philadelphia vs Tampa — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Philadelphia or Tampa?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,520/mo in Philadelphia and $1,696/mo in Tampa. Philadelphia has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

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

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Philadelphia feels like approximately $75,258 in Tampa — a gain of about 8% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Philadelphia and Tampa?

Philadelphia is in PA (PA levies 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.