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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Downey

California
169

Tampa is 33% cheaper than Downey.

$1,567/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 21%
$71,302/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 23%
$375,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 94%
$1,553/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 29%
393,389
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $16,098/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Downey — common questions

Is Tampa or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Downey?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Downey?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $16,098/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Downey

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens