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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Sacramento, CA

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

16.8% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
29.1% 29.1% more expensive housing
4.0% 4.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 29.1% more
Tampa
110
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 4.0% more
Tampa
100
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 12.0% more
Tampa
100
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 13.7% more
Tampa
95
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index10111816.8% more
Housing11014229.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,65013.8% more
Median Home Price$365,000$450,00023.3% more
Groceries1001044.0% more
Transportation10011212.0% more
Healthcare9510813.7% more
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Sacramento, 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
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Sacramento outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Sacramento524,943

Moving from Tampa to Sacramento?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

Tampa vs Austin → Tampa vs Denver → Tampa vs Nashville → Sacramento vs Raleigh → Sacramento vs Portland → Sacramento vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 29.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Sacramento?+
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 Sacramento?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while California averages 0.71%.