Side by side

Austin vs Tampa

It's a close call — 2–2 on the 8 core metrics we track. Detail below.

Metric

Austin

Tampa

Cost of living

B vs A: -12%

65✓

Rent · 1BR center

B vs A: ≈ same

$1,750

$1,700

Effective tax (remote)

B vs A: ≈ same

20%

Healthcare

B vs A: ≈ same

Safety

B vs A: -6%

64✓

Internet

B vs A: -14%

280✓

240

Climate

B vs A: +8%

84✓

Freedom

B vs A: ≈ same

No-state-income-tax tech hub. Rents have cooled from 2022 peak but live music, BBQ, and outdoor culture endure.

No state income tax, Gulf coast beaches, and a booming finance/tech corridor. Hurricane and insurance costs matter.