Tampa vs. Miami - Which City Should You Pick?

Moving to Florida is an exciting decision. The weather and beaches are a gateway to a great life. Deciding which city to live in may not be such an easy choice. In this article, we will break down some areas you should consider if you are thinking about moving to Tampa or Miami. 

Cost of Living

When choosing between Tampa and Miami, the cost of living is one of the most important factors you should consider. Cost of living refers to how much money it takes to fund your lifestyle. While these figures vary by your circumstances and preferences, there are some general ballpark figures we can reference to help you make your decision.

Something to consider is that living directly in the city will be more costly than living in a nearby suburb. Space, quality of schools, and commutes may be things you should consider when choosing an ideal neighborhood to compare these two cities.

Tampa

Living in Tampa is more affordable than living in New York City or San Francisco. The housing market comes in at about 11% lower than the national average and utility costs are about 2% lower. Your groceries may be a bit higher at 3% above the national average. Below are some average figures you can use to think about what your cost of living in Tampa will look like.

Median Home Price - $352,976

Median Rent - $1,078

Average Energy Bill - $166

Loaf of Bread - $3.58

A Gallon of Milk - $2.29

Dozen Eggs - $1.62

Average Doctor’s Visit - $113

Average Dental Visit - $97

Miami

Miami is one of the most expensive cities in Florida to live in. The most expensive factor is housing. Miami’s housing costs are 40% higher than the national average and utility prices are 2% higher than the national average. Groceries will also be an added expense coming in at 21% higher than the national average. Something to consider is that your salary in a more expensive city will likely reflect the higher cost of living.

Median Home Price - $556,157

Median Rent - $1,699

Average Energy Bill - $173

Loaf of Bread - $4.19

A Gallon of Milk - $2.68

Dozen Eggs - $1.90

Average Doctor’s Visit - $123

Average Dental Visit - $104

Things to Do and Entertainment

How you spend your time, whether it’s outdoors, at sporting events, or trying local cuisine, finding a city that meets your desires and lifestyle is important. In this section, we will break down some of these key items you may want to think about when making your decision. 

Tampa

Tampa Bay is home to several professional sports teams including: 

NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NHL - Tampa Bay Lightning

MLB - Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa also tends to be a very family-friendly city with an aquarium and a zoo, as well as an amusement park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and a large waterpark called Adventure Island.

If you enjoy museums, there are several incredible museums throughout the Tampa Bay area including the Tampa Museum of Art and The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum). If you enjoy the nightlife, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Ybor City are great places to go out. There are also lots of concerts and festivals that find a place in Tampa.

If you love the beach, Tampa might be a win for you. With Clearwater and St. Pete Beach within a short drive, their beaches are consistently ranked the top beaches in the US. Facing the West and being located on the Gulf of Mexico ensures the best beachfront sunsets and calm conditions.

Miami

Similar to Tampa, Miami also has several professional sports teams including: 

NBA - Miami Heat

NFL - Miami Dolphins

NHL - Florida Panthers

MLB - Miami Marlins

Miami is home to several museums and gardens such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, The Frost Museum of Science, and Pérez Art Museum.

Miami is home to a “Seaquarium” and an exotic animal attraction called Jungle Island.

If you love going out, Miami is the place for you. Some of the most popular places to go out in Miami are South Beach, Wynwood, Downtown/Brickell, and Coconut Grove. Miami is home to some of the best nightlife in the country and could be a big factor in your decision on where to live.

We can’t forget to mention that beaches are a big part of Miami culture. With some famous beaches like South Beach and SoFi (South of Fifth), you’re sure to find a great beach with a nearby cocktail and classy restaurant. 

Weather

Tampa

Tampa has a humid subtropical climate. The seasons are defined as hot and wet between May and October and mild and dry between November and April. Hurricanes are a consideration. Tampa does have a decent barrier from the Bay and Saint Petersburg from immediate ocean impact.

Hottest Month - July and August, average high of 91°

Coldest Month - January, average low 53°

Rainiest Month - August, 16 days on average

Miami

Miami is considered to have a tropical monsoon climate. This means it will come with hot and humid summers and short, warm winters. As with any coastal location, hurricanes may be a consideration when deciding where to move.

Hottest Month - August, average high of 88°

Coldest Month - January, average low of 63°

Rainiest Month - June and August, 11 days on average

Where should you choose?

When deciding where to ultimately live, you should take into account which city best fits your needs and lifestyle preferences. If you’re thinking about renting, consider checking out Alcove. Alcove offers a new coliving model that is more affordable than a studio or single bedroom apartment.