Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation’s latest Cost of
Living Index report has Tampa tied with Jacksonville for overall affordability
when compared with other state and nationally competing metros
The Tampa metro area claims the lowest housing costs among competing markets in the state of Florida and other major metro areas, according to the latest Cost of Living Index (COLI) report issued by the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (EDC). With a national average index of 100, Tampa’s 2017 housing index was 77.0 – 23 percent lower than the national average. The Tampa metro area’s overall 2017 COLI was 94.8, more than five percent lower than the national average.
“Tampa is attracting national attention for its vibrant food & craft beer scene, entrepreneurial buzz, and amazing quality of life,” said Michelle Bauer, chief marketing officer of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC. “The metro area ranks number one in the state for availability of high-wage jobs in fields such as information technology and financial services. The excellent career opportunities combined with affordable home prices make Tampa an ideal place to build your future.”
The composite index score is based upon individual scores for items including groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services, which are all weighted differently. Tampa’s lowest score was in housing.
Since 2011, the Tampa MSA has been at the top of the list for most affordable locations in the state of Florida. The market’s three year average index is 92.4.
For more information about the area’s Cost of Living scores, please visit the Tampa Hillsborough EDC’s Data Center.
About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. A partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing.
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation exists because of the generous support of over 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit tampaedc.com.
