Average Rent in Tampa 2026
The average rent in Tampa, FL is $1,600 for a 1-bedroom, $2,000 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Tampa is 4% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $64,000.
Tampa Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,500
per month
Cost of Living in Tampa
104
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Tampa's cost of living index is 104, which is 4% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Tampa at a Glance
Population
392K
Median Income
$58,441
COL Index
104
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Tampa?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Tampa by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,000/mo rent
$80,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,500/mo rent
$100,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Tampa
Save $600/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,600
per month
Split 2BR
$1,000
per person/month
Annual Savings
$7,200
per year
Instead of paying $1,600 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,000) with one roommate brings your share to $1,000. That is $7,200 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Tampa
Tampa, FL does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Tampa Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Tampa rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Tampa
Is Tampa expensive to rent in?
Tampa is moderately priced but has seen rapid rent growth. A 1-bedroom averages $1,600 per month in 2026, slightly above the national average. Florida has no state income tax. South Tampa and Downtown are the priciest areas, while Temple Terrace and Town n Country are more affordable.
How much income do you need to rent in Tampa?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $5,333 per month ($64,000 annually) to afford an average $1,600/month 1-bedroom apartment in Tampa.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Tampa?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,000/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,000, saving $600 per month or $7,200 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Tampa?