Seattle vs Tampa

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Seattle feels like approximately $55,322 in Tampa.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Seattle feels like $55,322 in Tampa. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 21%.

Income
Housing

Seattle

Tampa

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$2,146/mo
 
$1,696/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Seattle is one of the strongest remote work markets in the country. No state income tax, high remote-role wages, and outdoor quality of life make it a high-demand destination.
 
Tampa is a strong remote work market with no state income tax, improving cultural amenities, and Gulf Coast access.
Walk Score
74
 
50
Comfortable
$60-80k · Seattle 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 Seattle, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

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

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FAQ

Seattle vs Tampa — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Seattle or Tampa?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,146/mo in Seattle 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 Seattle?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Seattle feels like approximately $55,322 in Tampa — a reduction of about 21% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Seattle and Tampa?

Seattle is in WA (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.