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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Irvine

California
256

Tampa is 56% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,567/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 85%
$71,302/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 82%
$375,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 197%
$1,553/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 87%
393,389
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,326/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $15,912/year.

Median household income is $58,345/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Irvine — common questions

Is Tampa or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Irvine?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,326/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Irvine?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $58,345/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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