63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Tampa wins 2–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Tampa wins 0–2 overall (68/100)
💰 Chicago is more affordable
💼 Tampa has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Tampa — The Verdict
Tampa scores 68.2/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are somewhat comparable, though Chicago edges out with slightly lower home prices. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 13 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Chicago are 9% lower — a difference of $28,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Chicago saves you $108/month — that's $1,296 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $4,871 more per year (7% higher median income).
🌬️
Tampa has cleaner air with an AQI 40 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 13 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$333,200
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,422
Median Income
$71,673
$66,802
Chicago edges out Tampa on housing costs by 9%, a difference of $28,700. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.3%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
20 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Tampa wins on air quality with an AQI 40 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
23
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 13 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Tampa: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Chicago is more affordable overall. Home prices are $28,700 lower in Chicago. Monthly rent is $1,314 in Chicago vs $1,422 in Tampa.
Does Chicago or Tampa have better weather?
Tampa scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Tampa better for finding a job?
Tampa currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.3% in Tampa. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $66,802 in Tampa.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Tampa?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 23 in Tampa. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Tampa.
Should I move from Chicago to Tampa?
Based on our data, Tampa scores 68.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Tampa is more affordable, while Tampa has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Tampa?
Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%
Get Free Moving Quotes →
📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.