Rental property in Tampa, FL
2026 Market Data & Investment Analysis
Gross Yield
5.8%
Annual rent / price
Median Home Price
$350,000
As of 2026-Q1
Median Monthly Rent
$1,700
Per month
Population
399,700
+1.5% / yr (5y avg)
Estimates based on median market data. Actual returns depend on your specific property. Source: Zillow Research, 2026-Q1.
Calculate your rental yield in Tampa
Pre-filled with Tampa's median values. Adjust to match your specific property.
Property Details
Total acquisition cost before taxes
HOA, insurance, property management
% of time the property is empty
% of purchase price (e.g. 2% = 2)
Rule of thumb: 1% of purchase price/yr
Results
Gross Rental Yield
5.83%
Net Rental Yield
3.85%
Cap Rate
3.85%
Monthly Cash Flow
$1,123.33
Annual Cash Flow
$13,480.00
Tampa rental market at a glance
Median Home Price — 5-Year Trend
Median Monthly Rent — 5-Year Trend
Tampa's rental market presents a compelling opportunity for yield-focused investors, with a 5.8% gross rental yield significantly outpacing national averages and reflecting strong rental demand relative to purchase prices. The market benefits from substantial corporate relocations and expansions, particularly in healthcare (Tampa General Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center), technology, and professional services sectors that have established major operations in the downtown and Westshore corridors. The relatively modest 1.5% population growth, while lower than Sun Belt peers, is being offset by aggressive migration from higher cost-of-living states and strong immigration patterns, particularly from Latin America, which creates consistent rental demand even as population expansion moderates.
Demand drivers remain robust despite the measured growth rate, anchored by the University of South Florida's 47,000+ student population and the region's transformation into a major convention and tourism hub. The Port of Tampa's expansion as a cruise ship terminal and cargo hub continues generating employment across hospitality, logistics, and service sectors—industries that produce reliable renters with moderate incomes. Additionally, the $2.7 billion Amalie Arena district development and ongoing downtown revitalization projects are attracting young professionals and families, particularly to neighborhoods like Ybor City and downtown Tampa proper, which command premium rents despite affordable median prices.
The 5.8% vacancy rate suggests a well-balanced market without the desperation pricing seen in oversaturated metros, yet tight enough to support rent growth. Tampa's lack of state income tax provides additional appeal for relocated professionals and retirees, though investors should monitor hurricane exposure and the region's vulnerability to climate-related insurance cost increases. The market's maturation from speculative appreciation to stabilized cash flow suggests we're in an optimal window for buy-and-hold investors before further price appreciation crowds out yield-driven returns.
What type of investment market is Tampa?
Tampa features strong population growth that may drive property values higher over time. Current rental yields are modest, so returns are more dependent on price appreciation than immediate rental income.
✓ Strengths
- •Exceptional 5.8% gross rental yield with $350K median prices indicates strong cash flow potential in a major metropolitan area without requiring premium pricing
- •Diversified economic base spanning healthcare, technology, maritime logistics, tourism, and education reduces reliance on any single employer or sector
- •No state income tax jurisdiction provides significant tenant appeal and attracts relocated professionals, sustaining rental demand independent of local wage growth
- •Strategic port and cruise terminal expansion creating logistics/hospitality employment that generates consistent rental tenant bases with moderate but stable incomes
! Risks
- •Hurricane exposure and climate vulnerability creating escalating insurance and property maintenance costs that could compress yields if not factored into acquisition decisions
- •Moderate 1.5% population growth lags competing Sun Belt metros (Austin, Nashville, Phoenix), potentially limiting long-term appreciation and suggesting market saturation risk
- •Seasonal tourism fluctuations and transient populations in certain neighborhoods create tenant quality variability and potential turnover costs beyond typical metropolitan markets
- •Competitive rental supply growth from institutional investors and large apartment developers may pressure rental rate growth despite current equilibrium vacancy levels
Key Metrics
How does Tampa compare to nearby cities?
Tampa vs Orlando: 0.4 percentage point difference in gross yield.
| City | Median Price | Median Rent | Gross Yield | Pop. Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FL | $320,000 | $1,650 | 6.2% | +1.7% |
| Charlotte, NC | $370,000 | $1,700 | 5.5% | +1.4% |
| Atlanta, GA | $350,000 | $1,750 | 6% | +1.6% |
| Nashville, TN | $420,000 | $1,750 | 5% | +1.3% |
| Austin, TX | $450,000 | $1,800 | 4.8% | +1.8% |
Investor Takeaway
Tampa suits buy-and-hold investors prioritizing cash flow over appreciation, particularly those seeking geographic diversification away from overheated Western markets. The optimal strategy involves targeting multi-unit residential properties or single-family homes in established neighborhoods near USF, downtown, or employment corridors (Westshore, Hyde Park) where tenant demand from students, professionals, and relocated families remains resilient. Conservative investors should avoid speculation on appreciation and instead underwrite strictly on current yield, while immediately accounting for flood insurance, hurricane deductibles, and property maintenance reserves that typically exceed national averages—the 5.8% yield is attractive only if it survives realistic climate-adjusted expense modeling.
Common questions about investing in Tampa
Is rental investing profitable in Tampa?▾
What is the average rental yield in Tampa?▾
How does Tampa compare to Orlando for investors?▾
Explore more cities in United States
Compare yield, price, and population growth across all cities
Ready to Analyse a Specific Property in Tampa?
Use our free rental yield calculator to model any property — not just the median.
Compare with nearby cities: