Cost of Living in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Florida levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,977/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $39,035, or roughly $3,253 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro has a cost of living index of 123.5 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 23% above average, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is a noticeably expensive metro — groceries, services, and everyday purchases cost more than in most of the country.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater represents approximately 34% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level. Florida's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.