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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Los Angeles is 65% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,879/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 17%
$80,366/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 11%
$879,500 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 57%
$2,055/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 24%
3,857,897
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $9,064/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Tampa — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Tampa?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Tampa?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $9,064/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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More Comparisons

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