Tampa is 10% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tampa to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,011
$2,216
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,589
$1,886
💵 Families earn per year
$116,561
$81,400
🔑 Buying a house
$906,700
$420,400
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
100.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$5,945
$3,264
⚡ Electric bill per month
$131
$162
👥 People living there
1,389,526
401,618
Commute to work
23.5 min
24.8 min
College degree
51%
45.7%
Own their home
47.3%
50.3%
Below poverty line
11%
15.5%
Unemployment
6%
4.9%
Bottom line
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 1 more.
- Pick Tampa for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | San Diego | Tampa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | $85,470 | -39% in Tampa |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,000 | $60,120 | -38% in Tampa |
| HVAC Technician | $74,880 | $50,540 | -33% in Tampa |
| Police Officer | $110,400 | $75,710 | -31% in Tampa |
| Carpenter | $73,200 | $52,130 | -29% in Tampa |
| Lawyer | $178,220 | $127,490 | -28% in Tampa |
| Plumber | $72,510 | $52,000 | -28% in Tampa |
| Electrician | $76,160 | $57,450 | -25% in Tampa |
Frequently asked questions
Is San Diego or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is about 10% cheaper overall. Rent is $2,216 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match $60,000 in San Diego?
About $54,103 a year gives the same standard of living in Tampa.
Where do people earn more, San Diego or Tampa?
The typical household earns $116,561 in San Diego and $81,400 in Tampa, 43% more in San Diego.