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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Tampa is 34% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,567/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 33%
$71,302/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 37%
$375,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 83%
$1,553/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 37%
393,389
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $26,108/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Tampa or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $26,108/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tampa details → View Santa Rosa details →

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