
Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida and home to an amazing cultural scene as well as an active nightlife. With its beautiful beaches, numerous museums, and variety of restaurants and bars, there’s no shortage of things to do in this popular city. The cost of living in Tampa, Florida, is on par with the average cost of living in other cities around the United States.
How expensive is an apartment in Tampa?
Apartment rental prices vary throughout Tampa. Factors that affect how much you’ll pay for rent in the area include whether or not you want to live next to or near the water, the amenities you need to have in your apartment or on-site at the apartment complex, and the size of the apartment you want to rent. Although you can find reasonably priced apartments for rent near the bay, the least expensive rates are going to be on the north or east side of the city, away from the water.
You can find inexpensive one-bedroom apartments that rent for around $650 per month, but prices can be as high as $5,500 per month if you want to live in a large apartment with access to and views of the beach. The average cost of rent in Tampa, Florida, for a one-bedroom apartment is in the $1,200 range. When considering a move to this city, you need to think about the overall cost of living in Tampa. So take into account what you’ll pay for utilities, food, health care, and transportation in addition to the rent you’re already paying before you move.
Transportation costs are higher in Tampa than in other places in the U.S. Utilities are also higher, at about 16% more than other cities across the country. The median energy bill is almost $200 in this area, but you can expect to pay about the same amount for food that you would in other locations in the country. Your doctor and dentist visits might be slightly lower than the national average when you move to Tampa, but the difference isn’t enough to sway your decision to move here one way or the other.
Weather is another thing to think about when moving to Tampa. Although the highest temperature has never reached 100 degrees, the humidity can make it feel very hot during the summer. However, the winter months can be quite pleasant, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s.
How do I find cheap apartments in Tampa?
Rent prices in Tampa are among the top 50 most expensive in the country but are much cheaper than other Florida cities like Miami, St. Petersburg, and Fort Lauderdale. The cheap rent prices are one of the many perks of living in Tampa. Many factors will contribute to the amount you pay for rent each month. For example, if you want to find a pet-friendly apartment, you should be aware that most apartment managers will tack on an extra fee to your monthly rent for each pet. Additionally, larger apartments, those near the water, or ones with more amenities will cost more, but you can consider finding a roommate if you must have any of these things.
Splitting the rent and utility costs with one or more people can reduce your Tampa Bay cost of living. Have a roommate agreement in place before moving into the apartment to protect yourself. You can also think about renting an apartment in nearby Lakeland or Spring Hill, where you might get a little more space for the money. A $900 apartment in these areas might get you two bedrooms and more square footage than you’ll get in Tampa for the same price.
Those willing to live farther from the water and forego amenities like pools, laundry facilities, clubhouses, and proximity to restaurants and museums will have an easier time finding cheap apartments in Tampa. If you choose to live farther from your job to save money on rent, consider getting a public transportation pass so that you don’t waste all of your rental savings on gas getting to work.
What is the cheapest rent in Tampa?
Inexpensive student housing is available in Tampa near the university, where you can pay as little as $540 per month. This is only for one room, however, as each bed rents at this price. You can rent an apartment on your own near the university for about $700 per month. If you’d like to live a little closer to the water, you can find nice one-bedroom apartments that rent for $850 to $1,000 per month. These apartments offer around 500 to 700 square feet, but won’t have much in the way of on-site amenities.
A one-bedroom apartment with things like a pool, on-site or in-unit laundry, and a view of the bay will probably cost you around $2,000 or more every month. If you need more than one bedroom, the least expensive apartment you’ll find in Tampa is about $800 per month. The more bedrooms you need and the closer your apartment is to the water are both things that cause the amount you pay in rent to increase.
Before you move, you should set a moving budget. Many costs are associated with relocating other than the monthly rent. To ensure you have enough money for your move, decide whether or not you’re going to hire movers, figure out how much it’s going to cost to set up your utilities, and look into the price of renters insurance.
Tampa is one of the best places to live in Florida, and the cost to live here is actually cheaper than in some of the other popular cities in the state. You can find a ton of fun things to do no matter where in the city you live. You’ll always be just a short drive from a number of amazing beaches, and the weather is fairly pleasant all year long.
Ready to call Tampa home? Search for your perfect place on Zumper and get ready for your big move.



