Moving to Tampa: Essential Guide for you

Posted by MoversCom on April 17th, 2025

Cost of Living: Not the Cheapest, But Manageable

Tampa isn’t dirt cheap, but it’s not sky-high either. It sits somewhere in the middle. Housing costs have gone up in recent years, like in many U.S. cities, but you can still find decent options if you’re flexible.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city might run you between ,400 and ,900 a month. Outside the city, prices drop a bit.
• Home prices: The median home price is around 0,000, but prices vary by neighborhood.
• Groceries and gas: These run close to the national average, with small differences depending on the area.
• Utilities: Expect to pay more during the summer when the A/C is running full-time.

If you’re coming from cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, Tampa will feel more affordable. But if you're moving from a smaller town or a rural area, you might find the jump in housing prices a bit much.

Getting Around: Car is King

Tampa isn’t known for great public transportation. The city does have a bus system (HART), and there’s a streetcar that runs through downtown and Ybor City, but neither reaches far. If you plan on living here, you’ll probably need a car.

The good news is that traffic isn’t as bad as in bigger cities. It gets busy during rush hour, especially on I-275 and the Veterans Expressway, but it’s manageable most days. Parking is generally easy to find, and gas prices are usually below the national average.

Biking has gotten better, especially in neighborhoods like Seminole Heights and Downtown, but it’s not ideal in the hotter months.

The Weather: Hot, Humid, and Sunny

If you’re not a fan of the cold, Tampa might sound like a dream. Winters are mild—highs in the 70s, sometimes low 80s. But summers? They can be intense. From June to September, it’s hot, humid, and sticky, with daily highs in the 90s and regular afternoon thunderstorms.

Hurricane season runs from June through November, and while direct hits are rare, storms do roll through. Flooding can be an issue in certain parts of the city, so it’s something to keep in mind when picking a place to live.

The upside is the sunshine. Tampa gets about 250 sunny days a year, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you’ll have plenty of chances to be outside.

Pros of Living in Tampa

1. Beaches Are Close Clearwater and St. Pete beaches are less than an hour away. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, or just sitting on the sand, you won’t have to go far to get there.

2. No State Income Tax Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which can help your paycheck stretch further.

3. Active Job Market Tampa’s economy is growing. There are jobs in health care, finance, education, and tech. It’s also home to MacDill Air Force Base, which brings in federal jobs and supports businesses around it.

4. Laid-Back Lifestyle People tend to be friendly and easygoing. The pace of life is a bit slower than in other large cities.

5. Cultural Variety From Cuban sandwiches in Ybor to food trucks in Seminole Heights, there’s no shortage of places to eat. You’ll also find local festivals, art walks, and live music throughout the year.

Cons of Living in Tampa

1. Heat and Humidity The summer months can feel long and uncomfortable. If you don’t do well in heat, it might be hard to adjust.

2. Public Transit Isn’t Great Without a car, getting around can be a struggle. It’s not impossible, but it’s not convenient either.

3. Bugs and Critters The warm climate means bugs are around year-round—mosquitoes, palmetto bugs, and even the occasional alligator in a retention pond.

4. Insurance Costs Homeowners insurance and flood insurance can be pricey, especially in low-lying areas.

5. Growth Pains Tampa is growing fast. That’s good in some ways, but it’s also put pressure on housing, schools, and roads. Some neighborhoods are seeing heavy development, which can drive up costs and change the feel of the area.

Neighborhoods to Consider

Tampa has a mix of neighborhoods, each with its own style.

• Seminole Heights: Older homes, big trees, lots of small bars and restaurants. Popular with young professionals and creatives.
• South Tampa: More suburban feel, closer to downtown and the water. Hyde Park is here—upscale and walkable.
• Westchase: A planned community with good schools and quiet streets. More family-oriented.
• Ybor City: Historic, lively at night. Can be noisy, but has lots of character.
• New Tampa: Farther from downtown, newer developments, and good for families.

Final Thoughts

Tampa isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid place to live. The weather stays warm, the beach is close, and the cost of living—while rising—is still better than many major cities. If you’re ready to handle the summer heat and don’t mind driving, it might be a good fit.

Before making the move, it’s worth spending a few days here. Walk the neighborhoods. Try the food. Talk to the locals. That’s the best way to see if Tampa feels like home.