have got something for you. Although it’s seen an uptick in rent and home prices recently, Tampa remains a fairly affordable and culturally rich port city.

Tampa goes by many names: The Big Guava, Cigar City, The Lightning Capital of the World, and Sticks of Fire—all of which speak to the city’s fresh and vibrant flavor. Whether you’re looking to buy a home to ride out your twilight years or have the best Cuban sandwich you’ve ever had in your entire life (they were invented in Tampa!), we’ve got all the inside info you need before you move to

Florida

’s third largest city.

If you’re unsure where to start your moving research, you’ve clicked on the right article.

Jerry

, the

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app that helps you find cheap

auto

home

, and

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insurance in a flash, has searched far and wide to bring you this: the ultimate guide to moving to Tampa. We’ll review what you need to know before you go and some money-saving tips to help keep to your move-in budget.

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What you need to know about Tampa before you move

First, let’s start off with some stats and a quick history lesson. Tampa is a sprawling city that totals 175.8 square miles and 407,104 residents. The city was first occupied by the indigenous Tocobaga people and later colonized by the Spanish in the early 16th century. After the US purchased Florida from the Spanish in 1821, the US established Fort Brooke—known today as Tampa—as a naval base and trading post.

1. Rent is on the rise, but the cost of living in Tampa is still below the Florida average

In the grand scheme of things, Tampa is a fairly affordable place to live. It has a cost of living index of 100.1, just .1 above the US average of 100. Good news for those moving within Florida, Tampa’s cost of living index is below the Florida state index of 102.8—meaning if your move is intrastate, you could find that your dollar goes a little further in Tampa.

The housing costs, however, tell a slightly different tale. From 2021 to 2022, rent for single-family homes, condos, and multi-unit buildings jumped an astounding 28%. Like so many other changes to life as we know it, the pandemic played an outsized role in this sudden rent spike. COVID-19 made many flock to Tampa for its sunny weather and Florida’s significantly more lenient pandemic-related restrictions. As demand for housing went up, so did monthly rents.

Desirable neighborhoods like downtown Tampa and Harbour Island see average rents of $2,667 per month, while a one-bedroom outside the city’s center goes for an average of $1,416. To put this into perspective, the US average rent is $1,048 a month. And, to top it all off, the average apartment size in Tampa is only 926 square feet.

Affording an apartment in Tampa is much easier if you’re a salaried employee rather than working a minimum wage job. Tampa’s minimum wage currently sits at $10 an hour, but on the bright side, it’s on track to increase to $15 by 2026. The median salary, on the other hand, is a comfortable $57,709.

If you’re living in Tampa, everyday goods run the gamut from the cheaper to the pricer ends of the spectrum. Your morning cappuccino will cost you a meager $1.15, and a date night dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs $60. Craft beer, however, will cost you about $6 for a pint.

2. When it comes to jobs, Tampa stays true to its naval roots—but that’s not all there is

In 2021, Tampa was ranked the third-best city in Florida to find a job. And, good news for job hunters, there are a variety of industries available. Naturally, because of its prime location, the maritime industry is still extremely influential in Tampa. Location also plays a role in Tampa’s other major industry: tourism.

Medical device manufacturing and finance are also some of the Big Guava’s most dominant industries. Additionally, it’s home to five Fortune 500 companies, one of which is Florida supermarket juggernaut Publix.

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3. Your property is more likely to be harmed than you are

When moving to a new city, whether by yourself or with your family in tow, you’ll want to know how safe it is. In Tampa, you’re more likely to be the victim of a property crime than a violent crime. More specifically, you have a 1 in 61 chance of being the victim of a property crime and a 1 in 179 chance of being the victim of a violent crime.

Compared to the rest of the state of Florida, you’re less likely to be the victim of a property crime in Tampa but slightly more likely to be the victim of a violent one.

4. It’s great for two-legged and four-legged members of your family

According to a study done by Homes.com, Tampa is ranked eighth in the top 10 cities to raise a family for its proximity to parks, school quality, and availability of childcare services, among other factors. If you’re bringing little ones with you on your move, take advantage of all the family-friendly activities like a trip to the

Florida Aquarium

or the

Glazer Children's museum

Pet food company Honest Paws also ranked Tampa as the most dog-friendly city in the United States! The city boasts an impressive 15 dog parks and 52 dog-friendly breweries, hotels, and beaches.

5. Driving is the best way to get around—but be prepared for traffic

Even if you don’t live there, you’ve probably heard rumblings about the notorious Tampa traffic. If you’re planning to move to Tampa, we’d suggest you download some audiobooks and podcasts to keep you entertained—on average, Tampa drivers spend 76 hours in rush hour traffic a year.

Although the traffic is bad, driving is still the best way to get around Tampa. Tampa’s bus system, HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit), runs on an infrequent schedule and doesn’t extend very far into the suburbs.

6. Expect hot, humid summers and mild winters

One of the biggest perks of moving to Tampa is the warm, sunny weather. Per year, Tampa gets about 246 days of sunshine, and winters are pretty mild, with temperatures ranging between the low 50s to the mid-70s.

Temperate winters come at the cost of hot, humid, and downright sticky summers. July is Tampa’s hottest month, and temperatures average 86℉ during the summer. Thankfully, Tampa residents can go cool off in the ocean, but if you’re not one for warm weather (and humid) weather, you may not agree with Tampa’s climate. Tampa also sees some truly spectacular summer storms, which give their hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, its name.

7. It’s not just for retirement

Let’s put this rumor to a stop once and for all: moving to Florida isn’t just for retirees! Sure, if you’re putting your career behind you and looking to mellow out, you’ll surely benefit from the warm climate and seaside breeze. But Tampa has a lot for a younger crowd, too!

Get this: Tampa’s median age is 35.9 years old, and since 2014 Tampa has seen a 14.5% increase in its millennial population—ranking it eighth out of all US cities in terms of millennial population growth.

Does Tampa live up to its stereotypes?

Now that we’ve put the stereotype that Tampa is just a large retirement community to rest, what about its other ones? Some ring true: Tampa does have a strong Cuban influence seen in everything from the local cuisine to the choice of cigar.

Tampa is a truly mixed bag. In the last US presidential election, almost 53% of Tampa residents voted Democrat, while nearly 46% voted Republican. Tampa residents can enjoy a bustling downtown scene, a quieter life in the suburbs, and some of the country’s best beaches.

So, if you’re looking to take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico—and don’t mind a more humid summer—moving to Tampa might be the right move for you!

MORE:

What is Florida famous for?

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Finding a place to live in Tampa

After reading through our guide and deciding Tampa life is the one for you, you’ll need to find a place to live. And, if you’re looking to buy a home, we have some bad news. Similar to rent prices increasing in the past couple of years, home prices have also skyrocketed. The median home listing in Tampa is up 26.1% from June of last year at $435,000. Median home sales are slightly lower at $425,000, giving homebuyers some financial relief.

Whether you’re renting or looking to buy, be mindful that anything closer to the shore will cost you more. That said, when it comes to living in Tampa, here are some of the best places you can settle down:

Most iconic neighborhoods: Downtown Tampa, Tampa Heights, Ybor City

Best neighborhoods if you’ve got kids: Carrollwood, Lutz, Palm Harbor

Best neighborhoods for foodies: Hyde Park, West Tampa, Westshore Marina District

Best neighborhoods if you want to keep your car: Downtown Tampa and Ybor City

Most affordable neighborhoods: North Tampa, Jasmine Estates, Brooksville

MORE: Tips for moving out of state

Moving to Tampa checklist

With your ideal neighborhood picked out, it’s time to start the moving process! Any move can feel daunting, whether it’s across the country or just across the street. We’ve broken it down into two easy-to-follow checklists to help make your move feel more manageable.

Before you go

Hire a moving company

to help with your larger items. Or, if you’re feeling savvy, rent a U-Haul and try handling the move yourself!

Pack up your belongings. When packing valuables, don’t be stingy with the bubble wrap!

Let your current landlord, employer, utility company, and insurance provider know you’re moving.

If you’re bringing your car with you to Tampa, you might want to think about having it shipped.

Figure out how getting there, either by plane or road trip.

After you get there

If you’re coming from out of state, register your car in Florida and update your insurance.

And, if you’re renting, consider getting some renters insurance to help protect both your belongings and your budget.

Update your mailing address, voter registration, and healthcare information.

Get out and explore your new neighborhood! Find your new favorite coffee shop, local restaurant, and walking path to help Tampa feel like home.

MORE:

Does my car insurance cover me if I move to a new city?

How to save on car, renters, and home insurance in Tampa

If you’re renting, planning to own a home, or bringing your car to Tampa, you’ll need to find the right insurance policies.

Jerry

, the

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And Jerry gets the job done lickety-split. Just download the app for free from the app store, take 45 seconds to answer some questions, kick back and relax on one of those famed Tampa beaches and let Jerry take care of the rest!

“I had limited time to find a new insurance plan in Florida, so I tried
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Is it worth it moving to Tampa?

We can’t tell you what’s best for your life, but we can hopefully help point you in the right direction. If you’re not a summer person and want to live somewhere with four distinct seasons, you probably won’t enjoy life in Tampa. But, if you can tolerate some seriously hot and stormy summers, you’ll be rewarded with amazing access to beaches and a culturally rich city.

How much money do I need to move to Tampa?

How much you need to move depends primarily on two things: where you’re moving from and how you move. That said, a move to Tampa could cost you as little as $100 or up to several thousand. If you’re a single person, it’s recommended that you earn at least $2,900 per month to stay on top of your rent, groceries, and other essential expenses.

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