Miami vs Tampa: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Miami is 38% more expensive than Tampa. Tampa is 48% safer. Tampa has more comfortable months (8 vs 7). Miami population: 489,812. Tampa population: 413,554.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Miami vs Tampa
Tampa is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 145 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 40 index points.
| Category | Miami | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 145 | 105 |
| Housing | $4,094/moIndex: 230 | $2,314/moIndex: 130 |
| Groceries | $443/moIndex: 108 | $418/moIndex: 102 |
| Transportation | $385/moIndex: 110 | $357/moIndex: 102 |
| Healthcare | $346/moIndex: 108 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $224/moIndex: 102 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Miami vs Tampa
Tampa is 48% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Miami's 43.5. Tampa earns a B- safety grade compared to Miami's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Miami
Florida
Tampa
Florida
| Metric | Miami | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 43.5/1K | 22.7/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 550.0 | 436.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3800.0 | 1835.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.9 | 8.3 |
| Assault Rate | 447.8 | 301.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 96.0 | 111.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 642.6 | 293.5 |
| Theft Rate | 2529.9 | 1136.0 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 558.7 | 330.9 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Miami, you have a 1 in 23 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 44 in Tampa.
Climate: Miami vs Tampa
Miami Climate Overview
Tampa Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Miami | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 84.6°F | 82.4°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 71°F | 64.8°F |
| Annual Rain | 61.7" | 46.3" |
| Annual Snow | None | None |
| Comfortable Months | 7 | 8 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 0 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Tampa is 10°F colder in winter than Miami. Miami is wetter with 62" of annual rain compared to 46". Tampa has more comfortable weather months (8 vs 7).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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