Brandon, FL vs. Tampa, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Tampa Bay area? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Brandon and nearby Tampa. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in Brandon vs. Tampa in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Brandon and Tampa:
| Housing Type | Brandon | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Brandon. Housing costs tend to be 10-20% lower in Brandon compared to Tampa proper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200/month for a typical apartment in either location. Summers are hot and humid, so electric bills often spike June through September due to AC usage.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility costs between Brandon and Tampa.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items cost about the same in Brandon and Tampa. Publix is the dominant supermarket chain. Eating out is slightly cheaper in Brandon, with entrees around $12-18 at most casual restaurants vs. $15-25 in Tampa.
🏆 Winner: Brandon has a slight edge for daily expenses, especially dining out.
4. Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so paychecks go further than in many other states. Sales tax is 7.5% in Brandon and 8.5% in Tampa. Property taxes are similar, around 1.1% of assessed value annually in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Brandon. The slightly lower sales tax gives Brandon the advantage.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Brandon | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Groceries | $350 | $375 |
| Transportation | $75 | $100 |
| Misc | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,300 | $2,600 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Brandon offers a suburban feel with more space and easy access to parks and nature. Tampa is a larger city with more walkable neighborhoods, entertainment options, and a shorter average commute. Tampa averages 2°F warmer than Brandon year-round.
Ultimately, Brandon tends to attract families and those seeking a slower pace, while Tampa draws more young professionals and city lovers. Check out our guide to [Monthly Budget Examples for Brandon Residents](/brandon-fl/monthly-budget/) to see how your lifestyle and expenses might look in Brandon.
7. FAQ
- Is Brandon more affordable than Tampa? Yes, the cost of living is about 10% lower in Brandon, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rents are typically 10-15% lower in Brandon than in Tampa.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are around 20% less in Brandon vs. Tampa.
8. Conclusion
While Tampa and Brandon are only about 15 miles apart, their differing costs of living make them suited to different budgets and lifestyles. Brandon is ideal for families or those who prioritize housing affordability and suburban comforts. Tampa tends to attract residents who prefer an urban lifestyle and don’t mind paying a bit more for the big city experience.
For a more detailed look at expenses in Brandon, see our full [Cost of Living in Brandon (2025 Guide)](/brandon-fl/cost-overview/). Considering other nearby cities? Stay tuned for our cost of living comparisons between Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and more.
Content:
Brandon, FL vs. Tampa, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Tampa Bay area? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Brandon and nearby Tampa. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in Brandon vs. Tampa in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Brandon and Tampa:
| Housing Type | Brandon | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Brandon. Housing costs tend to be 10-20% lower in Brandon compared to Tampa proper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200/month for a typical apartment in either location. Summers are hot and humid, so electric bills often spike June through September due to AC usage.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility costs between Brandon and Tampa.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items cost about the same in Brandon and Tampa. Publix is the dominant supermarket chain. Eating out is slightly cheaper in Brandon, with entrees around $12-18 at most casual restaurants vs. $15-25 in Tampa.
🏆 Winner: Brandon has a slight edge for daily expenses, especially dining out.
4. Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so paychecks go further than in many other states. Sales tax is 7.5% in Brandon and 8.5% in Tampa. Property taxes are similar, around 1.1% of assessed value annually in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Brandon. The slightly lower sales tax gives Brandon the advantage.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Brandon | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Groceries | $350 | $375 |
| Transportation | $75 | $100 |
| Misc | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,300 | $2,600 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Brandon offers a suburban feel with more space and easy access to parks and nature. Tampa is a larger city with more walkable neighborhoods, entertainment options, and a shorter average commute. Tampa averages 2°F warmer than Brandon year-round.
Ultimately, Brandon tends to attract families and those seeking a slower pace, while Tampa draws more young professionals and city lovers. Check out our guide to [Monthly Budget Examples for Brandon Residents](/brandon-fl/monthly-budget/) to see how your lifestyle and expenses might look in Brandon.
7. FAQ
- Is Brandon more affordable than Tampa? Yes, the cost of living is about 10% lower in Brandon, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rents are typically 10-15% lower in Brandon than in Tampa.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are around 20% less in Brandon vs. Tampa.
8. Conclusion
While Tampa and Brandon are only about 15 miles apart, their differing costs of living make them suited to different budgets and lifestyles. Brandon is ideal for families or those who prioritize housing affordability and suburban comforts. Tampa tends to attract residents who prefer an urban lifestyle and don’t mind paying a bit more for the big city experience.
For a more detailed look at expenses in Brandon, see our full [Cost of Living in Brandon (2025 Guide)](/brandon-fl/cost-overview/). Considering other nearby cities? Stay tuned for our cost of living comparisons between Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and more.