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
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 FY2027Is Tampa, FL Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in FLlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $375,619 home at 7% rate
Living in Tampa
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in TampaSalary needed to afford rent here
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