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Tampa vs Fort Lauderdale: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Fort Lauderdale is 24% more expensive than Tampa. Tampa is 5% safer. Tampa population: 413,554. Fort Lauderdale population: 188,677.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingTampa
SafetyTampa
HousingTampa

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Tampa vs Fort Lauderdale

Tampa is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 130 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.

CategoryTampaFort Lauderdale
Overall Index105130
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$3,471/moIndex: 195
Groceries$418/moIndex: 102$435/moIndex: 106
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$224/moIndex: 102$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Tampa vs Fort Lauderdale

Tampa is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Fort Lauderdale's 23.9. Tampa earns a B- safety grade compared to Fort Lauderdale's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Tampa

Florida

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.7/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Fort Lauderdale

Florida

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate23.9/1K
TrendStable
MetricTampaFort Lauderdale
Overall Crime Rate22.7/1K23.9/1K
Violent Crime Rate436.9352.3
Property Crime Rate1835.02033.2
Murder Rate8.35.9
Assault Rate301.7274.2
Robbery Rate111.744.1
Burglary Rate293.5278.0
Theft Rate1136.01577.3
Vehicle Theft Rate330.9273.3

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Tampa, you have a 1 in 44 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Fort Lauderdale.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Tampa. A full comparison requires both cities.

Tampa Climate Overview

Annual High82.4°F
Annual Low64.8°F
Annual Rain46.3"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months8
Best MonthNovember
Worst MonthAugust
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa cheaper than Fort Lauderdale?
Tampa is 24% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 130 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,314/mo in Tampa vs $3,471/mo in Fort Lauderdale.
Is Tampa safer than Fort Lauderdale?
Tampa is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents vs Fort Lauderdale's 23.9. Tampa earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Tampa or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa is safer (B- grade). Tampa is more affordable (index 105 vs 130). Tampa has a population of 413,554 and Fort Lauderdale has 188,677. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Tampa compared to Fort Lauderdale?
Tampa has a population of 413,554 and Fort Lauderdale has 188,677. Tampa is 119% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Tampa or Fort Lauderdale?
Housing is cheaper in Tampa. Estimated monthly housing costs: Tampa $2,314/mo vs Fort Lauderdale $3,471/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 195 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Tampa Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Fort Lauderdale Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

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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