So, you’ve decided you want to relocate to Florida. That’s great, as the state has a lot to offer, but you’ll need to narrow down your options before you make your big move. Two incredible cities you can choose from are Tampa and Orlando. When choosing between Tampa versus Orlando, there are several things to consider. Aside from the fact that these two places are on opposite sides of the state, you’ll want to think about a variety of factors to ensure you make the right move.
Tampa and Orlando at a glance
- Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida, while Orlando is located in the central part of the state
- Tampa is about 1.5 hours away from Orlando by car
- Both Tampa and Orlando have international airports
- Orlando is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios
- Tampa is known for its cultural attractions, including the Tampa Museum of Art and the Florida Aquarium
How Tampa and Orlando compare in top categories
Let’s compare each city by important categories someone considering a move would want to know:
Location
Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida, while Orlando is located in the central part of the state. Tampa is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, while Orlando is further inland. Tampa is located about 240 miles northwest of Miami, while Orlando is approximately 230 miles north of Miami. Both cities are within driving distance of many other major Florida cities, such as Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Both Tampa and Orlando have international airports, making them easily accessible for visitors from all over the world. Tampa International Airport is located about 6 miles west of downtown Tampa, while Orlando International Airport is about 10 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. Both cities have public transportation options, including buses and trolleys. Uber and Lyft are also popular in both cities.
Cost of living
Tampa is on the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida, while Orlando is closer to the Atlantic side of the state. However, when compared to other cities near the ocean, both Tampa and Orlando have only a slightly higher cost of living than the national average. If the national average cost of living is 100, you’ll find that Tampa and Orlando rate around 103 overall. In Tampa, grocery prices are slightly higher than in Orlando, but on the flip side, utilities will cost you less if you opt for Tampa, as they rate even lower than the national average.
For transportation, you’ll pay more in Florida than in other places in the United States. This is true for Tampa and Orlando as well, but transportation will set you back a little more if you’re in Tampa.
Weather
Many people enjoy Florida because of its moderate climate and sunny skies. Tampa has hot, humid summers that last for about eight months, where daytime temperatures are around 90 degrees on average. The hottest month is July, but from May to October, you’ll enjoy an average temperature of 89 degrees. During the short winter from December to February, temperatures might dip to the low 50s or even into the high 40s at night, but these lows don’t last long. The coldest month of January has an average high temperature of 71 degrees.
Orlando sees similar temperatures, but the summer isn’t quite as long, with the hottest period ending in September instead of October. The average high in July is 90 degrees, while the high in January, the coldest month, is 71 degrees. Since there isn’t a big difference between the two cities, weather likely won’t be a big deciding factor for either location.
Employment trends
Florida has seen a lot of growth over the last several years, meaning there are many job opportunities for those interested in moving to the state. The unemployment rate remains below the national average, and Tampa has added thousands of jobs recently in the following industries:
- Leisure and hospitality
- Trade, transportation, and utilities
- Professional and business services
Over the last four years, Orlando has been No. 1 in job growth in the nation, making it a great place to relocate. The city has seen many of the same industries grow that Tampa has, with business services being the top job growth field overall. Construction is another major industry that’s growing in Orlando, and leisure and hospitality jobs are close behind.
Things to do
One of the big draws to living in Tampa is the number of things to do in and around the city. From visiting nearby beaches and boardwalks to finding exciting new restaurants and shops, there are endless opportunities for fun. You can visit Busch Gardens for a day of family-friendly entertainment or take the kids to the Glazer Children’s Museum for some hands-on education. Head to the historical Ybor City if you’re looking for nightlife and dining opportunities.
You probably know that Orlando is a theme park hot spot, but it might surprise you to find out that it has a lot more to offer its residents than Disney World alone. For example, Orlando is home to almost 100 parks where you can get outdoors and enjoy all the Sunshine State has to offer. You might even spot some endangered wildlife that lives in Orlando. Another fun fact about Orlando is that it has Florida’s largest library, the Orlando Public Library, so you’ll never be without a good read.
Neighborhood vibes
You’ll find an abundance of wonderful neighborhoods in Tampa. If you’re looking for somewhere close to the beach, restaurants, and parks, then Parkland Estates might be for you. It’s ideal for young professionals and those looking to start a family in a safe, beautiful place. You might like Sunset Park if you enjoy amazing sunsets and plenty of waterfront restaurants to choose from. Another neighborhood with excellent vibes in Tampa is Palma Ceia, where you’ll find art galleries, coffee shops, and more.
A few of the best neighborhoods in Orlando are:
- Park Lake-Highland: It’s close to downtown, making it convenient for commuting.
- Delancy Park: Sports fans love that this neighborhood is close to Orlando’s stadiums.
- Lake Davis-Greenwood: This place has lots of ethnic food options, and it’s quick to get downtown.
FAQ: Tampa vs. Orlando
If you still have questions about Tampa versus Orlando, consider these FAQs:
Tampa has a median house listing price of $450,633, which is just under the national average. Because housing inventory isn’t enough to meet the demand, the prices could remain high. For a two-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay $1,889 per month in rent.
The median home listing price in Orlando is $367,000, putting it lower than the national average. A two-bedroom apartment in Orlando rents for about $1,931 per month.
According to the U.S. Census, the median household income in Tampa is $59,893 per year. This is slightly above the median income for the entire state of Florida.
In Orlando, the median household income is $58,968 per year, according to the U.S. Census. The median household income for the U.S. overall is $69,021 per year.
Final thoughts
There are many similarities between Tampa and Orlando. Deciding which city is right for you may just be a matter of preference. Check out both areas if you can before you move to get a better feel for these cities.
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