Quick answer
Tampa is 69% cheaper than San Francisco overall. A $100K salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $31,000 in Tampa.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
San Francisco vs Tampa Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Tampa is 69% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-40% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$31,000
San Francisco vs Tampa: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$2,800/mo
$1,680/mo
-40%
2BR median rent
$3,800/mo
$2,100/mo
-45%
Median home price
$1,100K
$390K
-65%
Avg monthly groceries
$460
$345
-25%
Avg monthly utilities
$125
$175
+40%
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
None
Tampa saves
Walk score
88/100
52/100
San Francisco better
Transit score
80/100
34/100
San Francisco better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Tampa to maintain the same standard of living as your current San Francisco salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$18,000
$196,000
$80,000
$24,000
$262,000
$100,000
$31,000
$327,000
$120,000
$37,000
$393,000
$150,000
$46,000
$491,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: San Francisco vs Tampa
Who Each City Is Best For
San Francisco is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓biotech professionals
- ✓high earners
- ✓urban walkability seekers
Tampa is best for
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓beach lifestyle seekers
- ✓retirees
FAQs
Is San Francisco or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is 69% cheaper than San Francisco overall. Tampa 1BR rent ($1,680/mo) vs San Francisco ($2,800/mo). Median home price: Tampa $390K vs San Francisco $1,100K.
How much salary do I need in Tampa to match $100K in San Francisco?
$31,000 in Tampa is equivalent to $100,000 in San Francisco based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-40% difference) and state taxes (San Francisco: Up to 13.3% vs Tampa: None).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Tampa?
1BR: San Francisco $2,800/mo vs Tampa $1,680/mo (-40%). 2BR: San Francisco $3,800/mo vs Tampa $2,100/mo (-45%).
Does San Francisco or Tampa have lower taxes?
San Francisco (CA) has Up to 13.3% state income tax. Tampa (FL) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$13,300.