Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 91.3% more expensive than Tampa, FL. This translates to spending an extra $6845 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $232,135.922 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 261.5% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

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

Living in San Francisco, CA costs approximately $6845 more per month than Tampa, FL, or $82136 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Tampa, FL

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San Francisco, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $6.8K/month more in San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $232.1K in San Francisco, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 91.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$6,845

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$82.1K

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 Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:191

Median Home:$1.25M

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 Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tampa, FL vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Tampa, FL	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $7,069more	261.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $874more	68.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $140more	13.7%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$706/mo	↑ $136more	23.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$448/mo	↓ $126less	21.9%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 261.5%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$7,069

🚗Transportation

↑ 68.1%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

$874

🛒Groceries

↑ 13.7%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$140

🏥Healthcare

↑ 23.9%

Tampa, FL

$570

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

$136

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.9%

Tampa, FL

$574

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$126

less

📦Other

↑ 3.7%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$66.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$2,460

↑ $610

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$2,950

↑ $990

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$3,570

↑ $1,280

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$4,560

↑ $1,630

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$8,160

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

San Francisco

$367K

Median Value

$1.25M

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

Homes in San Francisco are 240% more expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa Calculate payment - San Francisco

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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.