Oldsmar, FL vs. Tampa, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Oldsmar or Tampa? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help you decide. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in these two Florida cities in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Oldsmar | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,850 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $325,000 | $410,000 |
🏆 Winner: Oldsmar. Rent and home prices tend to be 15-20% lower in Oldsmar compared to Tampa proper.
Curious about how much you need to earn to afford living in Oldsmar? Check out our monthly budget guide.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect utility bills to average around $180/month for a 2BR apartment in Oldsmar. Tampa utility costs are similar, averaging $190/month.
Both cities experience hot summers, so electric bills peak from June through September. But Tampa’s urban density means slightly higher energy usage on average.
🏆 Winner: Oldsmar, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very similar in Oldsmar and Tampa. Expect to spend around $350-$400 per month on groceries for a single person, or $800-$1000 for a family of four.
Eating out is also comparable, with a typical meal for two ranging from $40-60 in both cities. However, Tampa does offer a wider variety of dining options downtown.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and restaurant costs are nearly identical in Oldsmar and Tampa.
Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so your take-home pay will be the same in either city. However, some key differences:
- Oldsmar’s property tax rate is 2.1% vs Tampa’s 2.3%
- Tampa has higher water, sewer, and trash fees
- Many Tampa neighborhoods have HOA fees from $200-500/month
🏆 Winner: Oldsmar. Lower property taxes and fewer added fees make it cheaper overall.
Cost of Living Comparison Summary
| Category | Oldsmar | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,850 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $325 | $450 |
| Misc Costs | $200 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,615 | $3,220 |
Lifestyle Fit
While cheaper overall, Oldsmar is a smaller suburb with less walkability and longer commutes compared to Tampa. Tampa averages 5°F warmer than Oldsmar in the summer months.
Tampa offers more urban amenities, public transit, and airport access. But Oldsmar provides more space, quieter neighborhoods, and a slower pace of life.
For a full breakdown, read our overview of the cost of living in Oldsmar, including housing, groceries, taxes and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oldsmar more affordable than Tampa?
Yes, Oldsmar has a lower overall cost of living than Tampa. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with Oldsmar rents and home prices averaging 15-20% cheaper.
Which city has lower rent?
Oldsmar has lower average rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment rents for around $1,450/month in Oldsmar compared to $1,850/month in Tampa.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Oldsmar has lower median home prices, with a typical 3BR house costing around $325,000 versus $410,000 in Tampa as of 2025.
Conclusion
While both great places to live, Oldsmar offers a lower cost of living than Tampa, primarily due to cheaper housing costs. Oldsmar is ideal for those seeking affordability, more space, and a suburban lifestyle. Tampa suits those willing to pay more for an urban environment with more amenities and shorter commutes.
Comparing other Florida cities? Check out our other cost of living breakdowns for popular destinations across the state.