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Richmond vs Tampa

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Tampa is 6% more expensive than Richmond overall.Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 vs Tampa at 104 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Tampa costs 14% less.

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Richmond
VA
98
COLI index
VS
Tampa
FL
104
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryRichmondTampaDifference
Overall COLI98104+6%
Housing112128+14%
Groceries102105+3%
Transport103110+7%
Healthcare102103+1%
Utilities100108+8%

Median 1BR Rent

Richmond
$1,400/mo
Tampa
$1,750/mo

Median Home Price

Richmond
$310,000
Tampa
$360,000

Median Household Income

Richmond
$55,766
Tampa
$57,906

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Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond is cheaper to live in overall. Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 while Tampa has an index of 104, where 100 represents the US national average. Tampa is 6% more expensive than Richmond overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Richmond is $1,400 per month compared to $1,750 in Tampa. The median home price in Richmond is $310,000 versus $360,000 in Tampa. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Richmond has a cost of living index of 98 and Tampa has an index of 104, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Richmond, multiply by 1.06. For example a $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to approximately $79,592 in Tampa.

Richmond has a median household income of $55,766 per year versus $57,906 in Tampa. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Richmond to Tampa is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Tampa is 6% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.