2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Barbara, CA vs Tampa, FL

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Tampa older or younger than people in Santa Barbara?
- The Median Age in Tampa is 3.2 years younger than in Santa Barbara.

Are housing costs cheaper in Tampa or Santa Barbara?
- Tampa housing costs are 75.0% less expensive than Santa Barbara housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Tampa or Santa Barbara?
- The average commute for residents of Tampa is 6.8 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Barbara.

Things to do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara, California has something for everyone - from fantastic beaches to world-class shopping and dining experiences. Visitors can explore Old Mission Santa Barbara or take part in various water activities around Stearns Wharf.

Things to do in Tampa?
Tampa, Florida is a vibrant and dynamic city with plenty of attractions to explore. Home to the renowned Busch Gardens theme park, visitors can enjoy thrilling rides and shows as well as exotic wildlife such as cheetahs, hippopotamuses, and elephants. History buffs can explore the Tampa Bay History Center, while art lovers can visit galleries such as the Museum of Fine Arts. With its bustling atmosphere, great cultural attractions and countless outdoor experiences to choose from, Tampa promises to provide any visitor with an unforgettable experience.

 Santa Barbara, CATampa, FLUnited States
 Population  Unlock380,476329,725,481
 Median Income$89,243  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock35.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,525,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.15  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Barbara    51 Reviews

I moved to Santa Barbara around 23 years ago to study at Brooks, which like most of the Santa Barbara that I knew—has been destroyed. Homelessness, drugs, gangs, high  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I fell in love with Santa Barbara about thirty years ago and finally moved here a few years ago. Because of the price of homes, it is an expensive place to live. The  More

   |    Reply

If you like high crime, paying a $4,500 a month mortgage and crazy high taxes, this is the place for you. It’s too bad because it wasn’t always like this. When I moved  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Barbara

Reviews for Tampa    162 Reviews

Over 1 years ago

The people in Tampa are fantastic but the city is a total bore. All events are always in South Tampa and never elsewhere, ie, North Tampa. The north end never  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

I've lived in small towns before and now for the past 25 years in this large metropolis. It's a very nice city. Lots of jobs, shopping restaurants, churches, Busch  More

   |    Reply

This is my favorite city that I have ever lived in. I am reading all of these terrible reviews for Tampa, but then when I read what people are writing, they are actually  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Tampa


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.