Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Fresno is 11% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,324/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 18%
$66,804/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 7%
$348,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 8%
$1,391/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 12%
543,615
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $4,498/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Tampa — common questions

Is Fresno or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Tampa?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Tampa?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $4,498/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Tampa details →

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