RentData

Average Rent in Tampa, FL↓ Rents falling 3.0% YoY🔺 9th priciest in FL

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 3,240,469

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Tampa, FL has rental prices ranging from $1,597/month to $2,977/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,648/month — 18% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $71,254/year, spending $1,648/month on a 1-bedroom represents 28% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Tampa Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,917/month, Tampa ranks #9 most expensive of the 56 cities tracked in Florida — pricier than 97% of all US cities in our data.

The Tampa Rental Market

The Tampa, FL area has a population of about 3,240,469 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Tampa, FL have fallen by $60/month (3.0%) over the past year, from $1,977 to $1,917. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Tampa, FL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $65,920. The local median household income of $71,254 exceeds that threshold by $5,334, making Tampa relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Tampa, FL is $375,619, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Tampa's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Seminole Heights East ($104,495 median home value), Northeast ($201,895 median home value), Historic Ybor ($221,178 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,597
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,648
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,917
↓3.0% YoY
Average
3 Bedrooms
$2,448
Expensive
4 Bedrooms
$2,977
Expensive
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Tampa
▼
Median Home Value
$375,619
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,999/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Tampa, FL Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$76,680/year
Local median income: $71,254
To buy a median home
$79,968/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,917/month and 20% down on a $375,619 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in FLlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Fort Lauderdale$1,759$1,902$2,321$3,172—
West Palm Beach$1,907$2,008$2,349$3,052—
Miami$1,953$2,121$2,564$3,277—
Orlando$1,658$1,726$1,959$2,445—
Jacksonville$1,401$1,421$1,694$2,077—
North Port$1,749$1,876$2,188$2,775—

Rent or Buy in Tampa?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Tampa data

$
Home Value
$375,619
2BR Rent
$1,917/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,999/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,766/movs rent: $1,917/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $375,619 home at 7% rate

20% — $75,124
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,999
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$300,495
Total Paid
$719,713
Total Interest
$419,218
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Tampa

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Tampa

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Tampa

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Tampa

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in FL

See how Tampa ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Tampa

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋FL Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections