Tampa vs Chicago: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Tampa's typical home is worth $333,200, 9% higher than the typical home in Chicago at $304,500.
Median household income is $66,802 in Tampa versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Typical rent runs $1,422 in Tampa and $1,314 in Chicago.
Chicago carries a higher hazard rating than Tampa, per FEMA — Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 388,768 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $333,200 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $66,802 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,422 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Both home values and rent run lower in Chicago, IL than in Tampa, FL, making it the more affordable of the two on housing alone.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.