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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Tampa is 49% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,567/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 42%
$71,302/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 46%
$375,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 178%
$1,553/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 51%
393,389
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $32,476/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Tampa or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Pasadena?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Pasadena?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $32,476/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Pasadena details →

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