Performance
Score Breakdown
Tampa
Los Angeles
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tampa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
26% lower compared to Los Angeles.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tampa's average rent is
27% lower than Los Angeles's.
| Metric | Tampa | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,951 | $2,656 | -27% |
| Groceries | $418 | $550 | -24% |
| Utilities | $294 | $320 | -8% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $92 | $200 | -54% |
| Monthly Total | $2,875 | $3,876 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 152 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 1% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Tampa is estimated at
$53,832 vs $100,000 in Los Angeles.
| Metric | Tampa | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,475 | $75,000 |
| Salary Needed | $53,832 | $100,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 72,572 idx | 49,342 idx |
| Household Income | $75,475 | $90,757 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tampa | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tampa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Los Angeles leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tampa | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 68.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 75.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Tampa.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tampa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tampa | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 401,618 | 3,869,089 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.54% | % |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 37.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $760.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, trade, and entertainment.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, including world-class museums, theaters, and a diverse culinary landscape.
Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and mild winters, ideal for outdoor activities.
Los Angeles is a global hub for innovation and technology, attracting talent and fostering new businesses.
The metropolitan area provides access to numerous educational institutions, from community colleges to top-tier universities.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than the national average, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Los Angeles experiences considerable traffic congestion, leading to long commute times and high car dependency.
Housing affordability remains a major challenge, with median home prices exceeding $1.0 million as of April 2026.
The city has experienced population decline in recent years, with Los Angeles County losing over 53,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.
The unemployment rate in Los Angeles County, at 5.6% in December 2025, is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Tampa
#19Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Los Angeles
#8California, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,656
Avg Salary
$75,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
68.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Tampa and Los Angeles.
Open Cost Calculator