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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Tampa is 31% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,567/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 26%
$71,302/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↑ 24%
$375,300 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 75%
$1,553/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 27%
393,389
Population
311,639

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 Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $408/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $4,896/year.

Median household income is $17,052/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Tampa or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $408/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $17,052/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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