City comparison
Yes. Tampa's crime index is 93 versus 151 in Reno, and its violent crime index is 112 versus 156, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Reno is cheaper. Median rent is $1,556 a month versus $1,701 in Tampa.
Safety is where Tampa and Reno split most clearly. Tampa scores 58 points better on the crime index, a gap that shows up in evening walks, parking situations, and insurance rates. Rent runs $1,701 in Tampa and $1,556 in Reno.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Reno is the easier city on typical rent, but Tampa can still be the better daily fit depending on schools, safety, and climate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The crime gap is citywide. Tampa has rougher pockets and Reno has quiet ones: the index tells you the average, not your block.
The move
Tampa and Reno are 2,271 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,701 a month in Tampa to $1,556 a month in Reno, down $145 a month (9%).
Median household income goes from $75,475 in Tampa to $80,760 in Reno, up $5,285 (7%).
The crime index goes from 93 in Tampa to 151 in Reno, up 58 points (62%).
The move
Reno and Tampa are 2,271 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,556 a month in Reno to $1,701 a month in Tampa, up $145 a month (9%).
Median household income goes from $80,760 in Reno to $75,475 in Tampa, down $5,285 (7%).
The crime index goes from 151 in Reno to 93 in Tampa, down 58 points (38%).
Tampa, FL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Reno, NV
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Tampa and Reno? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
9% cheaper
Reno rent is 9% cheaper than Tampa
Tampa
$1,701/mo
Reno
Winner$1,556/mo
Typical rent runs $1,556 a month in Reno versus $1,701 in Tampa, so Reno is 9% cheaper. The monthly spread is about $145, or $1,740 a year: noticeable, but rent alone should not pick the city. Use this as a tie-breaker after you compare income, schools, and crime, unless you are already stretching every dollar.
Planning to buy in Reno? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
7% higher
Reno's median income is 7% higher than Tampa
Tampa
$75,475
Reno
Winner$80,760
Median household income is $80,760 in Reno versus $75,475 in Tampa, so typical pay runs 7% higher in Reno (about $5,285 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
38% lower crime
Tampa's crime index is 38% lower than Reno
Tampa
Winner93 (100 = avg)
Reno
151 (100 = avg)
Tampa's crime index is 93 versus 151 in Reno (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 38% lower in Tampa. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Tampa is the easier city. Reno can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
9% more comfortable
Tampa weather is 9% more comfortable than Reno
Tampa
Winner75°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Reno
62°F avg · 71°F highs · comfort 92/100
Tampa averages about 75°F (83°F highs); Reno averages about 62°F (71°F highs). Tampa sits near 75°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Reno averages around 62°F. Tampa scores 9% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Reno if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Pick Tampa if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (75°F) beat Reno on this page's weather index by 9%. Reno may pay more or cost less, but Tampa is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Tampa is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 38% lower than Reno (93 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Reno is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 9% cheaper here at about $1,556 a month. Choose Reno if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Reno is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 7% higher here ($80,760). Start with Reno if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
Crime and safety tilt toward Tampa: Tampa scores 62/100 versus 47/100 in Reno, with typical rent at $1,701 versus $1,556. I would vet the exact ZIP in Reno before trading 15 safety points for housing savings.
Safety still diverges (62/100 in Tampa vs 47/100 in Reno), so climate preference should not be the only filter.
Median income is $80,760 in Reno versus $75,475 in Tampa.
If safety drives your move, Tampa is the stronger match (62/100 safety versus 47/100). If an employer or family tie already points to Reno, treat $1,556/month rent and $80,760 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
Ready to move to Reno?
Next steps
Quotes and listings for Reno when you're ready to act.
Keep researching
Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Tampa and Reno, plus other cities in FL and NV.
