Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 39.8% more expensive than Tampa, FL. This translates to spending an extra $2985 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Tampa, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $185,825.243 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 93.3% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tampa, FL to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2985 more per month than Tampa, FL, or $35825 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Tampa, FL

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San Diego, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.8K in San Diego, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↑ 39.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,985

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:140

Median Home:$980K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tampa, FL vs San Diego, CA

Category	Tampa, FL	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,521more	93.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $287more	22.3%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $83.70more	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$638/mo	↑ $68.15more	12.0%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$634/mo	↑ $60.11more	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $59.96more	5.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 93.3%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,521

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.3%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$287

📦Other

↑ 4.6%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$83.70

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.0%

Tampa, FL

$570

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$68.15

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

Tampa, FL

$574

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$60.11

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$59.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$2,565

↑ $715

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$2,755

↑ $795

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$3,360

↑ $1,070

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$4,475

↑ $1,545

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,080

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

San Diego

$367K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 167% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa Calculate payment - San Diego

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $10.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$886

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.