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Side-by-side comparison

Tampa vs San Diego

Cost of living comparison for Tampa, Florida and San Diego, California.

Bottom line

San Diego is approximately 26% more expensive than Tampa. A single person needs about $4,511/mo in San Diego versus $3,567/mo in Tampa.

Rent in Tampa vs San Diego

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Tampa · Studio
$1,566
San Diego · Studio
$2,145
San Diego is $579 (37%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · 1 bedroom
$1,686
San Diego · 1 bedroom
$2,328
San Diego is $642 (38%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · 2 bedroom
$1,978
San Diego · 2 bedroom
$2,881
San Diego is $903 (46%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · 3 bedroom
$2,533
San Diego · 3 bedroom
$3,852
San Diego is $1,319 (52%) higher than Tampa

Income & earnings in Tampa vs San Diego

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Tampa · Household income
$75,011
San Diego · Household income
$102,285
San Diego is $27,274 (36%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Individual earnings
$43,484
San Diego · Individual earnings
$49,552
San Diego is $6,068 (14%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Per capita
$41,980
San Diego · Per capita
$49,891
San Diego is $7,911 (19%) higher than Tampa

Home values in Tampa vs San Diego

Average values and property tax.

Tampa · Average home value
$333,300
San Diego · Average home value
$791,600
San Diego is $458,300 (138%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Annual property tax
$2,787
San Diego · Annual property tax
$5,542
San Diego is $2,755 (99%) higher than Tampa

Energy in Tampa vs San Diego

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Tampa · Monthly electricity
$176
San Diego · Monthly electricity
$167
Tampa is $9 (5%) higher than San Diego
Tampa · Monthly gas
$21
San Diego · Monthly gas
$50
San Diego is $29 (138%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Annual total
$2,364
San Diego · Annual total
$2,604
San Diego is $240 (10%) higher than Tampa

Healthcare in Tampa vs San Diego

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Tampa · Individual premium
$480
San Diego · Individual premium
$480
Tampa and San Diego are about the same
Tampa · Family premium
$1,350
San Diego · Family premium
$1,350
Tampa and San Diego are about the same
Tampa · Uninsured rate
11.5%
San Diego · Uninsured rate
6.8%
Tampa is 4.7% (69%) higher than San Diego

Taxes in Tampa vs San Diego

State income and sales tax.

Tampa · State income tax
0.0%
San Diego · State income tax
13.3%
San Diego is 13.3% higher than Tampa
Tampa · State sales tax
6.0%
San Diego · State sales tax
7.3%
San Diego is 1.3% (21%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Combined sales tax
7.0%
San Diego · Combined sales tax
8.8%
San Diego is 1.8% (26%) higher than Tampa

Transportation in Tampa vs San Diego

Commute time and travel modes.

Tampa · Average commute
28.7 min
San Diego · Average commute
25.9 min
Tampa is 2.8 min (11%) higher than San Diego
Tampa · Drive alone
68.9%
San Diego · Drive alone
67.6%
Tampa is 1.3% (2%) higher than San Diego
Tampa · Public transit
0.8%
San Diego · Public transit
2.2%
San Diego is 1.4% (175%) higher than Tampa

Monthly cost estimates in Tampa vs San Diego

All categories combined.

Tampa · Single person
$3,567
San Diego · Single person
$4,511
San Diego is $944 (26%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Couple
$4,974
San Diego · Couple
$6,941
San Diego is $1,967 (40%) higher than Tampa
Tampa · Family
$7,687
San Diego · Family
$10,119
San Diego is $2,432 (32%) higher than Tampa

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Tampa and San Diego.

Is Tampa or San Diego more expensive?

San Diego is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,567/mo in Tampa, Florida and $4,511/mo in San Diego, California, a difference of about 26%.

What is the rent difference between Tampa and San Diego?

Average one-bedroom rent in Tampa, Florida is $1,686/mo versus $2,328/mo in San Diego, California. San Diego is approximately $642 (38%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Tampa or San Diego?

San Diego has the higher average household income. Tampa households earn approximately $75,011 per year; San Diego households earn approximately $102,285 per year.

More on Tampa and San Diego

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.