Tampa is a better place to live in compared to Albuquerque. While Albuquerque has many outdoor activities to explore, the city of Tampa offers you a competitive job market, a stable economy, plenty of housing options, and a whole lot more.
The city of Tampa is the third-largest metro area in Florida by population. It even ranked 52nd as the most populated city in the United States.
It shows that the city attracts people year after year. Tampa is also a popular tourist destination with various attractions to offer. Presently, the city is a modern commercial hub with tourism, trade, and finance boosting its economy.
On the other side, Albuquerque or Duke City is also an economic giant in New Mexico. Thus, it offers limitless opportunities for people who want to start living in the city.
To get to know these cities better, we prepared the following for you:
Things to know about living in Tampa
- Reasonable cost of living
- Bilingual employment opportunities
- Quality education
- Plenty of housing options
- Employment opportunities
The city of Tampa is affordable compared to other cities in the United States. The cost of living in the town is still lower than in other Florida State cities.
The average home value is lower than any other city in Florida. Aside from that, Tampa has no state income, and the property tax rate is relatively low. You can have the chance to save, especially if you are moving from a state that imposes higher state tax.
Tampa is also a hub for immigrants. People from Mexico and the Caribbean usually move to Tampa and settle. As a result, there is a growing cultural diversity in the city. The availability of bilingual jobs in the city is also growing.
People who can speak Spanish and English have a higher chance of getting a job in Tampa. Most employment comes from the finance, healthcare, and shipping sectors.
Tampa has one of the largest school districts in the United States. The Hillsborough County School District is the only district that serves Tampa. As one of the biggest districts in the US, resources are coming in, and government funding is stable.
It resulted in more opportunities for your children. They can enjoy better extracurricular activities and numerous resources to hone their skills. After K-12, excellent universities are also available in the city. The University of Tampa and the University of South Florida are some of the best.
If you want a city where you can have several housing options, Tampa is the place to be. The average housing cost in the city is $190,000, which is relatively more affordable than other cities in Florida. Aside from that, there are several housing options available for you.
You can choose from its wide range of ranches, bungalows, duplexes, apartments, and more. You can opt to buy property outside the central city hub for those on a tight budget. Here you can still find more housing options at a reasonable price.
Finding a job in Tampa is easy. The city is one of the great places to find a job in the US, based on the survey conducted by WalletHub in 2019. There was a massive increase in the employment rate in Tampa in the past years. You have ample opportunities to seek a career in the city.
Jobs mostly come from the healthcare, commercial, educational, and military sectors. You will also find employment in the tourism and hospitality industries in the city.
Things to know about living in Albuquerque
- Affordable cost of living
- Cultural diversity and ethnicities
- Interesting location and natural wonders
- Competitive education
- Great culinary experience
The primary factor people move to the city is its affordable cost of living. It is one of the few cities in the state that offer living expenses more minor than the national average. You will be able to live a comfortable life in this city because of the level of affordability it provides.
If you seek a warm city and accomodating, Duke City is a great place to live. It is a very inclusive community with over 70 ethnicities in its demography. You’ll meet Middle Eastern, Asian, or Native Americans when you live in Albuquerque.
The diversity creates a mixture of cultures making the city exciting and inclusive. You will get attached once you build friendships and relationships in the community.
The city is home to some natural wonders to explore while living there. Since New Mexico has loads of things to offer, it is easy to take a road trip from Albuquerque.
If you want an out-of-this-world experience, it is easy to go on a road trip to Roswell to hunt aliens. Then, the Carlsbad Caverns explore the city’s geographical landscape. The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an attraction you should not miss.
Moving to Albuquerque means receiving a quality education. There are undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs offering excellent programs. It is easy to bring a family with you as the city has several institutions at different levels.
More than that, the price of education is reasonable, with $3,100 in-state tuition fees per year. You will both enjoy quality and affordability in terms of education. It is a significant consideration when looking for the best place to live.
The food culture in the city is hard to beat. Albuquerque offers a variety of cuisines that you can enjoy upon settling in. Since there are many ethnicities in the city, you will taste various flavors from different parts of the world.
The city’s cuisine has Spanish, Mexican, and even Native American influences. It is one of the best experiences you should not miss when living in the city.
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Is Tampa, Florida, expensive to live in?
| Living expenses | Tampa | Albuquerque |
| Housing | 94.9% | 88% |
| Food & Groceries | 105.1% | 96% |
| Health | 100.3% | 79.8% |
| Utilities | 93.3% | 97.2% |
| Transportation | 112.1% | 89.4% |
Data is based on 100 = US National Average
100 means more expensive than national average
100 means cheaper than the national average
Compared to Albuquerque, Tampa is a more expensive city. The cost of living is 12.4% higher than ABQ. The housing cost is the biggest factor why Tampa became a more expensive place. The costs of food, utilities, transportation, and health are higher, too.
- Housing costs
- Food costs
- Utility costs
- Transportation costs
- Healthcare costs
Renting a two-bedroom apartment in the city would cost you $1,900. Compared to Albuquerque, it is 16% more expensive. The price continues to increase up to 12.6%.
Nevertheless, there are cheap housing options available in the city. Housing options in South Seminole Heights can be as low as $1,074; Heritage Isles is at $1,528.
Another necessity you’ll find affordable in the city is food. Grocery prices in Tampa are pretty reasonable. The cost is only slightly above the national average by 1.4%. You would not feel the price difference since it only went above one percent. More than that, food options are limitless in the city that you would certainly enjoy.
The number one factor that makes your utility cost expensive in the city is air conditioning. Since Tampa exhibits warm weather during the summer, spending on air conditioning is average.
Living in Tampa means needing a car. It is easier to go around the city, especially during rush hour when you have a car. Public transportation in the town is also available. Local fare can cost you $2 one way when using the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). Express lines are also a great option which cost around $3.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are also less than the national average. It is cheaper than 5.1%. Aside from lower health care expenses, you would still get top-notch health care in the city. The Tampa General Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital, and AdventHealth are some of the best in the city.
Is it expensive to live in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque is not an expensive city. Living in this city is 16% cheaper than the city of Tampa. Housing cost is affordable, with a median home value of $200,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
- Housing costs
- Food costs
- Transportation costs
- Utility costs
Rent is relatively cheap in this city compared to Tampa, with $840 as the base price. If you are looking for a property, you can expect to pay an average of $118 per square foot in the city. Having $200,000 to buy a property in Albuquerque is enough.
Grocery and other food items in the city are not many worries. Food is cheaper in Albuquerque compared to other cities in the United States. A dozen eggs can cost around $2.30, while protein and meat are typically priced at $3.5.
Generally, people in the city have cars. Almost 90% of them drive to work every day. Gas prices can range from $2.30 per gallon, where locals spend around $1,400 every year on vehicle expenses. Public transportation is also available. You’ll spend less than the national average on transportation compared to other cities in the state.
The price of utilities in the city is also reasonable at $140. It already includes electricity, water, and telephone bills. The price can also vary based on the size of the property and the number of people in the family.
Is Tampa safe from hurricanes?
One of the significant reasons people doubt moving to Tampa is hurricanes. The western coast of Florida has endured storms over the years.
Tampa has an 11% chance of experiencing hurricanes every year. The city’s location, which is lying along Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is prone to storms, too.
Most people near Tampa Bay have a considerable possibility to experience storm surge. Residents living along the coast are vulnerable to storms or hurricanes visiting the city. The effect of storms or hurricanes is also widespread throughout Tampa City.
Records also show that the city suffered a big hit by intensified storms since 1921. It causes damages to both commercial and residential properties.
Is it safe to walk in downtown Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has a reputation for having high crime rates in the past years. People are often concerned about safety, especially when walking in some parts of the city.
Downtown Albuquerque is a safe place to be. There are current efforts from the city government to make the city a safe place for locals and tourists. Walking in the daytime or at night is safe in the area.
The site is between San Pedro and Wyoming. Areas with the most crime rates in the city include the south valley and the war zone. Walking alone, specifically at night, is not advisable when in this place.
Tampa and Albuquerque offer reasonable costs of living. You can choose one over the other without compromising affordability. Nevertheless, Tampa wins when it comes to other opportunities a city can offer.
The city has a thriving economy that can provide a higher employment rate than Duke City. Also, quality health care services at a reasonable price are hard to ignore in Tampa.