Quick answer
Tampa is 38% cheaper than Chicago overall. A $100K salary in Chicago is equivalent to $62,000 in Tampa.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Chicago 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 38% cheaper
1BR rent difference
-9% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$62,000
Chicago vs Tampa: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,850/mo
$1,680/mo
-9%
2BR median rent
$2,350/mo
$2,100/mo
-11%
Median home price
$340K
$390K
+15%
Avg monthly groceries
$390
$345
-12%
Avg monthly utilities
$155
$175
+13%
State income tax
4.95%
None
Tampa saves
Walk score
78/100
52/100
Chicago better
Transit score
65/100
34/100
Chicago better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Tampa to maintain the same standard of living as your current Chicago salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$37,000
$96,000
$80,000
$50,000
$128,000
$100,000
$62,000
$160,000
$120,000
$75,000
$192,000
$150,000
$94,000
$240,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Chicago vs Tampa
Who Each City Is Best For
Chicago is best for
- ✓urban explorers
- ✓foodies
- ✓architecture lovers
- ✓transit users
Tampa is best for
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓beach lifestyle seekers
- ✓retirees
FAQs
Is Chicago or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is 38% cheaper than Chicago overall. Tampa 1BR rent ($1,680/mo) vs Chicago ($1,850/mo). Median home price: Tampa $390K vs Chicago $340K.
How much salary do I need in Tampa to match $100K in Chicago?
$62,000 in Tampa is equivalent to $100,000 in Chicago based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (-9% difference) and state taxes (Chicago: 4.95% vs Tampa: None).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Tampa?
1BR: Chicago $1,850/mo vs Tampa $1,680/mo (-9%). 2BR: Chicago $2,350/mo vs Tampa $2,100/mo (-11%).
Does Chicago or Tampa have lower taxes?
Chicago (IL) has 4.95% state income tax. Tampa (FL) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$4,950.