Is Chicago, IL cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Chicago, IL is 5.0% more expensive than Tampa, FL. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

What salary do I need in Chicago, IL to live like I do in Tampa, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $154,456.311 in Chicago, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and Chicago, IL?

Housing in Chicago, IL is 13.5% more expensive than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,925/month in Chicago, IL compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL?

Living in Chicago, IL costs approximately $371 more per month than Tampa, FL, or $4456 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Tampa, FL

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Chicago, IL

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in Chicago, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in Chicago, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$305K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tampa, FL vs Chicago, IL

Category	Tampa, FL	Chicago, IL	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,680/mo	↑ $396more	30.9%
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$3,066/mo	↑ $364more	13.5%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$519/mo	↓ $54.64less	9.5%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$595/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🚗Transportation

↑ 30.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Difference

$396

🏠Housing

↑ 13.5%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Difference

$364

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.5%

Tampa, FL

$574

Chicago, IL

$519

Difference

$54.64

less

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Difference

$50.22

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.3%

Tampa, FL

$570

Chicago, IL

$595

Difference

$24.78

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Difference

$9.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,850

To$1,600

↓ $250

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,710

↓ $250

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$1,925

↓ $365

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$2,480

↓ $450

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/mo

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$690

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Chicago

$367K

Median Value

$305K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↑ +1.8%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.2%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$116K - $611K

Homes in Chicago are 17% less expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa Calculate payment - Chicago

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$619

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.9%

Rate difference

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.