Cash Flow Investing in Tampa, FL
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Tampa, FL — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for Cash Flow
Cap Rate
5.5%
Moderate
Rent-to-Price
0.50%
Below 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
7.8%
Healthy
Property Tax
0.86%
Very low
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Tampa is a top Sun Belt migration destination with strong rent growth. No state income tax boosts effective returns, but rising insurance costs are the biggest risk factor for investors.
How Tampa Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #22 | Knoxville, TN | 4.3 | 5.8% | $270,000 |
| #23 | Charlotte, NC | 4.3 | 5.6% | $340,000 |
| #24 | Jacksonville, FL | 4.2 | 6.4% | $285,000 |
| #25 | Tampa, FL | 4.1 | 5.5% | $350,000 |
| #26 | St. Louis, MO | 4.0 | 7.4% | $165,000 |
| #27 | Atlanta, GA | 4.0 | 5.9% | $320,000 |
| #28 | Raleigh, NC | 4.0 | 5.1% | $380,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Tampa for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash flow score for Tampa, FL?
Tampa, FL scores 4.1 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #25 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: rent-to-price ratio (30%), cap rate (30%), low vacancy (20%), low property taxes (20%). Scale 0–10.
Is Tampa a good city for cash flow investing?
Tampa, FL ranks #25 for cash flow investing — a solid mid-tier market with a score of 4.1/10. The median home price is $350,000 with a 5.5% average cap rate.
What is the average cap rate in Tampa?
The average cap rate in Tampa, FL is 5.5%. The median home price is $350,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,750, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.50%.
What are the property taxes in Tampa?
The effective property tax rate in Tampa, FL is 0.86%. On a $350,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,010 per year in property taxes.
How does Tampa compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Tampa, FL ranks #25 for cash flow investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.
Does Tampa meet the 1% rule?
Tampa, FL has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.50%, which falls significantly below the 1% rule. However, the 1% rule is a rough guideline — individual deals can still cash flow well in this market.
Run Your Own Numbers for Tampa
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Tampa, FL market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
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