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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

5.6% Tampa, FL is cheaper overall
4.8% 4.8% more expensive housing
3.8% 3.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.8% more
Chicago
105
Tampa
110
🛒 Groceries 3.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Tampa
100
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Tampa
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.8% cheaper
Chicago
103
Tampa
95
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Tampa
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Tampa, FL Difference
Overall Cost Index1071015.6% less
Housing1051104.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,45014.7% less
Median Home Price$310,000$365,00017.7% more
Groceries1041003.8% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103957.8% less
Utilities101103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Tampa, FL
State Income Tax4.95%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.80%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tampa costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Tampa to maintain your Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Tampa (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Tampa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Tampa3.2%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Tampa27 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Tampa49
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Tampa37
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Tampa73°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Tampa393,468

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago and Tampa → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Tampa →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Tampa cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Tampa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,450/month in Tampa — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Tampa?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Chicago to Tampa?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $62,000 in Tampa. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Chicago vs Tampa?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $365,000 in Tampa — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Florida averages 0.80%.