Moving to Tampa? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Tampa sits on the southwestern coast of Florida on Tampa Bay and near the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa is known for its pleasant climate which makes it home to some of the world’s best sunsets.

If you are considering moving to Tampa, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in the Big Guava.

Quick Tampa Facts:

Population: 398,173 (2022). The Greater Tampa Bay Area is estimated to have a population of around 3.1 million (2020).
Official Language: English (de facto) with many other languages being spoken, including Spanish, French Creole, French, German, Tagalog, Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Median Income: $36,746 USD (2022)
Scheduled Flights: In 1914, the world’s first scheduled passenger flight flew from St. Petersburg to Tampa and each ticket was $5.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of 2024, £1 = $1.30, €1 = $1.09, $1 CAD = $0.73, $1 AUD = $0.67

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Tampa

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest cities in the US and around the world and shipping it to Tampa:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$1,500 - $1,800	$2,500 - $2,800
Berlin	$1,200 - $1,500	$2,000 - $2,300
Chicago	$800 - $1,100	$1,500 - $1,800
Chongqing	$1,300 - $1,600	$2,100 - $2,400
Delhi	$1,400 - $1,700	$2,200 - $2,500
Dubai	$1,600 - $1,900	$2,600 - $2,900
Houston	$900 - $1,200	$1,600 - $1,900
London UK	$1,100 - $1,400	$1,900 - $2,200
Los Angeles	$1,000 - $1,300	$1,800 - $2,100
Madrid	$1,250 - $1,550	$2,250 - $2,550
New York City	$850 - $1,150	$1,500 - $1,800
Paris	$1,150 - $1,450	$2,100 - $2,400
Phoenix	$950 - $1,250	$1,700 - $2,000
Rome	$1,180 - $1,480	$2,050 - $2,350
Shanghai	$1,350 - $1,650	$2,250 - $2,550
Sydney Australia	$1,700 - $2,000	$2,900 - $3,200
Toronto	$1,000 - $1,300	$1,800 - $2,100
Vancouver	$1,050 - $1,350	$1,900 - $2,200
Vienna	$1,150 - $1,450	$2,100 - $2,400

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

You could also save money by comparing movers using the quote form below:

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2. Tampa Housing Costs

Renting and buying property in Tampa is far more affordable than in other major cities around the globe.

Monthly Rental Prices in Tampa:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $2,100+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,760+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,900+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,700+

Tampa Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $5,900+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $3,130+

Tampa Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Tampa compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 12.3% more expensive
New York 39.8% more expensive
Los Angeles is 17.9% more expensive
Toronto is 23.4% cheaper
Sydney is 6.7% cheaper
Paris is 36.8% cheaper
Dubai is 25.9% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing CostsL

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You will probably have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following sites to find your perfect room or flatmate: Room LaLa and Trulia.
Different Areas – Different Prices: There is a 50/50 split between renting and buying in Tampa. There’s a good selection of detached houses, apartments and condos. Downtown Tampa has been rejuvenated over the last ten years and has lots of upmarket condos, it’s close to the business district and is full of excellent restaurants and bars. Hyde Park is the oldest and most expensive area in the city. It is full of historic buildings and large houses. Ybor City is another historic area which is full of trendy condos. It began life as an area where immigrants flocked to work in the cigar factories. Channel District is another trendy area which appeals to those who enjoy loft living. Many people say that South Tampa is the place to be. It has a good selection of houses, flats and condos at various price levels. Sulphur Springs is one of the cheapest up-and-coming areas. Tampa Heights is also cheap but the crime rate is high.

3. Tampa Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Groceries, food and restaurant prices are cheaper in Tampa than in other cities in Florida.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $20.50
Takeout Coffee: $4.80
Bottle of Coke: $2.30
1L of Milk: $1.10
Loaf of Bread: $3.30
12 Eggs: $3.50
1kg Chicken: $10.00
1kg Beef: $15.00
1kg Apples: $4.70
1kg White Rice: $3.50

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 3.8% more expensive and groceries are 23.2% cheaper than Tampa.
New York restaurants are 21.9% more expensive and groceries are 29.9% more expensive than Tampa.
Los Angeles restaurants are 13.6% more expensive and groceries are 8.9% more expensive than Tampa.
Toronto restaurants are 4.1% cheaper and groceries are 2.4% cheaper than Tampa.
Sydney restaurants are 2.6% cheaper and groceries are 10.4% higher than Tampa.
Paris restaurants are 7.8% cheaper and groceries are 8.5% higher than Tampa.
Dubai restaurants are 9.7% cheaper and groceries are 43.1% cheaper than Tampa.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Tampa has a wide selection of independently owned grocery stores and ethnic stores as well as the usual supermarket chains. There are farmer’s markets and shops which sell organic and health foods. Popular supermarkets are Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Rollin Oats Market & Cafe, The Fresh Market, Acapulco Mexican Grocery and Oceanic Oriental Supermarket.
Find Cheap Eats: Scour the internet, local papers and billboards to find places which offer excellent food at affordable prices. Have a look at 10Best, Four Square and Tampa Bay – Cheap Eats Edition.

4. Tampa Alcohol Costs

Tampa has a vibrant bar and club scene and, unlike most major cities around the world, they are generally affordable.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $8.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.20
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $6.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $10.50

How To Drink For Less in Tampa:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Have a look at the following sites for inspiration for a quick after-work drink or for that special occasion – Foursquare, 813 Area and Yelp.

5. Tampa Transportation Fares

The bus service in Tampa is run by HART. It has a fleet of 200 buses which serve the community. There have recently introduced a commuter express service from various Park-n-Ride centres around the city. There is also a Metro Rapid System which connects the university with various areas such as Downtown. Hart also runs a door-to-door van service called HartFlex. TECO runs the streetcar service which takes passengers around the city.

Here are some example ticket costs.

Adult single – $2.50
One-day ticket – $4.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $75.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a 3-day visitor pass for $11.75

Buy a 10-day Pass and get unlimited travel for $37

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly an option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Tampa

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Tampa boasts an average of 246 days of sunshine a year, with the hottest month being July where the average temperature is 32.7°C. Tampa experiences mild winters with average temperatures in January of 9.4°C. July is the wettest month with an average of 190mm.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $50
Summer Dress: $35
Running Shoes (Trainers): $90
Business Shoes: $140
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $120
Deodorant: $3
Shampoo: $4
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.50
Gym Membership: $30 per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $13

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Tampa

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people drive in Tampa. It does have rush hour problems but they are nowhere near as bad as other major cities around the world.

If you’re moving to Tampa from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Tampa:

Volkswagen Golf: $24,000
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.92
Other Fees (if any): the average cost of state and local taxes, license, title and registration fees is $665 per annum

Source: Expatistan, AAA Study

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Tampa:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Car Pool World.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Tampa

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Sales Tax in Tampa is 7% and is added to most goods and services. Generally, the price you see on an item does not include sales tax.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Tampa at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Tampa you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Tampa

If you do make the move to Tampa, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

London: $280
New York: $204
Los Angeles: $78
Toronto: $110
Vancouver: $119
Dubai: $592
Sydney: $743
Melbourne: $575
Cape Town: $924
Hong Kong: $818

Other Tips on Moving to Tampa:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Tampa but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Tampa Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Tampa.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in. There’s a big selection of events and groups such as photography, exercise, IT, friendship, families and singles.
Attend Local Events: There’s always lots going on in Tampa. Have a look at 10Best, Trip Advisor, Travel US and Tampabay.

12. Moving to Tampa with a Family

Tampa has a lot to offer families. It has a relaxed, almost holiday atmosphere. There’s obviously the beach which parents and children will both enjoy plus many other family-friendly activities to pursue.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Breath of Life and Labor of Love.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: There are many family-friendly areas in Tampa. Families enjoy Northdale because of its friendly residents, good safety record, great shops and restaurants and good schools. Seminole Heights is an area full of character and history and has houses, condos and bungalows suitable for families. Carrollwood is also another family favourite with its quiet safe streets. New Tampa is a relatively new area with lots for kids to do. It has a variety of housing, from large ranch-style homes to condos and apartments.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Tampa is a fun place for kids to live. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – 10Best, AlphaMom, Trip Advisor and Visit Tampa Bay.

13. Moving to Tampa for Work

People generally move to Tampa either for work or to retire. While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Tampa’s unemployment rate is below the national average. Big employers in the city include the local health sector, shipping, agriculture and Fortune 500 companies such as J.P. Morgan, Citi Bank and Coca-Cola.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor and Payscale.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Tampa, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster, Indeed and Snagajob. You may also want to google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Tampa from Australia

There are a large group of Australians living in Tampa, attracted by the climate and lifestyle. Here are a few pointers, if you are considering joining them.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Tampa with a city in Australia, then the closest would be a city with a population between that of the Sunshine Coast and Canberra.
Join Expat Groups: There are a number of expat groups enabling you to meet fellow Aussies. Try Internations and Expat.com

15. Moving to Tampa from Canada

There are many Canadians that live and work in Tampa. There’s another large contingent who escape from the Canadian winter every year and head south to Tampa. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Tampa with a city in Canada the nearest would be Oshawa, Ontario.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Link up through sites such as Internations and Meetup.

16. Moving to Tampa from the United Kingdom

Tampa attracts a lot of people from the UK, both for work and retirement. All those days of sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle are both big drawcards.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Tampa with an equivalent city in the UK, you would be looking at Leeds.
Expat Groups: If you want to get together with others from the UK who are experiencing the sun, then go to Internations and Meetup.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Tampa you can start by comparing moving quotes here.