Home › Compare › Tampa, FL vs Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Los Angeles, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

34.7% Los Angeles, CA is more expensive overall
61.8% 61.8% more expensive housing
10.0% 10.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 61.8% more
Tampa
110
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 10.0% more
Tampa
100
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 25.0% more
Tampa
100
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 17.9% more
Tampa
95
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Tampa
103
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10113634.7% more
Housing11017861.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$2,50072.4% more
Median Home Price$365,000$880,000141.1% more
Groceries10011010.0% more
Transportation10012525.0% more
Healthcare9511217.9% more
Utilities103105~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Los Angeles, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Los Angeles outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain your Tampa lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from Tampa to Los Angeles?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa and Los Angeles → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Los Angeles →

Compare Other Cities

Tampa vs Austin → Tampa vs Denver → Tampa vs Nashville → Los Angeles vs Raleigh → Los Angeles vs Portland → Los Angeles vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 61.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $1,050 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Los Angeles?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Tampa to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Tampa vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $515,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while California averages 0.71%.