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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Tampa is 50% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,567/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 55%
$71,302/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 68%
$375,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 179%
$1,553/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 57%
393,389
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $857/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $10,284/year.

Median household income is $48,583/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Tampa or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $857/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $48,583/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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