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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Tampa is 50% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,567/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 53%
$71,302/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 54%
$375,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 181%
$1,553/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 59%
393,389
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $828/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $9,936/year.

Median household income is $38,771/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Tampa or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $828/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $38,771/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Costa Mesa details →

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