Rent vs Buy Calculator — Tampa, FL
Prefilled with Tampa estimates: a ~$380,000 home (about $76,000 for 20% down) versus ~$1,900/mo rent. Florida's effective property tax of 0.91% — near the U.S. average (~1.1%) — adds roughly $3,458/yr, and typical homeowners insurance runs about $5,500/yr. Adjust every field to your actual home below.
Is it better to rent or buy in Tampa?
There's no universal answer — it hinges on how long you'll stay, what you'd earn investing the down payment instead, and Florida's tax and insurance costs. Property tax is the biggest local lever: at 0.91% on a $380,000 home that's about $3,458 every year, before insurance and maintenance. Use the break-even readout above to see the year buying pulls ahead, and the appreciation rate that flips the decision.
What makes Tampa, FL different
- Median home price estimate: $380,000
- Typical monthly rent estimate: $1,900
- Florida effective property tax: 0.91% (~$3,458/yr here)
- Florida avg. homeowners insurance: $5,500/yr
Starting estimates as of 2026-01 — see the methodology & sources.