Moving from Chicago to Tampa (2026)
Tampa has a COL index of 104 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$206/mo
on rent + taxes · $75K salary baseline
Change cities
Key differences
COL index
107 → 104
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900 → $2,000
per month
State tax
4.9% → None
income tax
COL difference
107 → 104
3% cheaper
Salary needed in Tampa to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Tampa |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,879 |
| $50K | $48,598 |
| $60K | $58,318 |
| $75K | $72,897 |
| $80K | $77,757 |
| $100K | $97,196 |
| $120K | $116,636 |
| $150K | $145,794 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$78/mo moreon core expenses at $75K
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Tampa
| Expense | Chicago | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $2,000 |
| Groceries | $388 | $376 |
| Transport | $105 | $65 |
| Utilities | $165 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,040 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Tampa cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Tampa has a cost of living index of 104 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Tampa?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Tampa saves roughly $206/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,472/year.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $72,897/year in Tampa. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Moving from Tampa to ChicagoChicago vs Tampa — full comparisonChicago cost of livingTampa cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only