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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Modesto

California
120

Tampa is 6% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,567/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 3%
$71,302/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 9%
$375,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 11%
$1,553/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 4%
393,389
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,597/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Modesto — common questions

Is Tampa or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Modesto?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Modesto?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $6,597/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Modesto

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley