The Tampa metro area is projected to be second only to Atlanta in the Southeast when it comes to buying power.
EFFECTIVE BUYING INCOME (EBI)
| Metro Area | 2006 EBI (billions) | National Rank |
| Atlanta | $130.5 | 7 |
| Tampa | $63.6 | 24 |
| Miami | $44.2 | 35 |
| Orlando | $43.6 | 36 |
| Charlotte, N.C. | $41.4 | 40 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $40.9 | 41 |
| West Palm Beach | $40.2 | 43 |
| Raleigh-Durham, N.C. | $36.6 | 46 |
| Nashville, Tenn | $36.3 | 47 |
Source: 2004 Tampa/Hillsborough Market Guide