Tampa vs Chicago: Which Is Better To Live In?

If you had your choice to move anywhere in the United States, where would it be? Most people don’t have that kind of freedom, but if you do, it could be hard to make a decision. This is particularly true when it comes to major cities like Chicago and Tampa.

Tampa and Chicago are both great places to live - but they are radically different cities. Chicago ranks as the third largest city in the United States, and it has famously harsh winters and a high cost of living. Tampa is a fraction of the size of Chicago, has a much lower cost of living, and a tropical climate that allows residents to visit beaches and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.

At Eaton Realty, we work with buyers and sellers in Hillsborough County, Florida to help them find the home of their dreams. If you decide to move to the Tampa Bay region, we will listen to you and offer advice throughout the home-buying process. Reach out today to talk to a Tampa real estate agent about buying a house in West Central Florida.

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Chicago or Tampa: Pros and Cons

Chicago and Tampa are two very different cities. One is located in the heart of the midwest, while the other sits along the West Coast of Florida. Both have a lot to offer - which is why you may find yourself debating whether it is better to live in Tampa or Chicago. Below, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of each city in a few key areas.

Population

Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, with a total population of 2,746,388 per the 2020 census. It is also the third largest city in the United States, after New York and Los Angeles. If you want to live in a really big city, then Chicago might be a good choice.

Chicago is fairly diverse, with 42.4% of its population identifying as white, 28.8% of residents identifying as Black, 29% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, and 7% identifying as Asian. 20.2% of all Chicago residents were born outside of the United States. It also has a fairly young population, with 13.3% of the population over 65 and 20% under 18.

Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida, with a population of 384,662 people in 2020. Tampa is less diverse than Chicago, with 54.9% of the population identifying as white, 26.7% as Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% as Asian, and 21.8% as Black. 18.4% of the population of Tampa is foreign-born. Tampa’s population has roughly the same age demographics, with 13% of all residents aged 65 or older and 20.8% under 18.

Both cities have relatively young, diverse populations. However, Chicago’s population is far larger than Tampa’s - which can make for a much more hectic lifestyle with more traffic and congestion.

Tampa is also gaining population while Chicago is losing population. According to the U.S. Census data, between 2020 and 2023, Chicago’s population has decreased by 3% while Tampa’s has increased by 4.9%. This indicates that Tampa is a more up-and-coming city than Chicago - which can make it a good place to work and invest in real estate.

Cost of Living

When it comes to daily living expenses, Tampa wins - by a large margin. Tampa's overall cost of living is 3% lower than the national average. Housing costs are 3% less than the national average in Tampa, with the median home price at $474,128 and median rent of $1,446 per month. Utilities are the same as the national average, while groceries are 1% higher and transportation costs are 2% higher.

By comparison, the overall cost of living in Chicago is 14% higher than the national average. This includes housing costs that are a staggering 39% higher than the national average. The median home price in Chicago is $681,804, and the median rent is $2,080 per month.

Utilities are 9% cheaper in Chicago than the national average. However, groceries cost 3% more, and transportation costs are 6% higher.

Ultimately, if you are on a budget, then Tampa is a better choice than Chicago. You will pay much less overall to live in Tampa than in Chicago - especially when it comes to housing. If you want to buy a house and have some disposable income to enjoy the city, then Tampa is the city for you.

Jobs and Economy

Chicago and Tampa each have strong economies. Being a much larger city, Chicago has a diverse array of industries and is home to 35 Fortune 500 companies. Its major sectors include transportation, manufacturing, publishing, insurance, printing, financial trading, and food processing. Tampa’s major industries include shipping, health care, finance, technology, and defense, with MacDill Air Force Base located just outside of the city.

Both cities have strong economies. According to U.S. census data, 67.2% of all residents of Chicago aged 16 or older are employed in the civilian workforce. In Tampa, 65.1% of all people in the same age range are employed. There are more employers in Chicago, with 50,497 employer firms compared to 12,425 in Tampa - which isn’t surprising given that Chicago has a population that is more than 6 times larger than Tampa’s.

The median household income in Chicago is higher than in Tampa. In Tampa, the median income is $66,802 compared to $71,673 in Chicago. If you are concerned about finding a job, then both Tampa and Chicago are great options.

Weather

When it comes to weather, Tampa has Chicago beat - especially if you like warm temperatures. The Windy City is known for its harsh winters and sweltering summers. In the winter months, you might experience lows in the 20s and highs in the 30s. In the summer, you can expect highs in the 80s and 90s with lots of humidity.

Tampa has mild winters, with temperatures often ranging from the 50s to the 70s. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often in the 90s. Fall and spring tend to be temperate, with temps hanging out in the 70s and 80s.

Of course, Tampa has hurricanes and tropical storms - weather events that aren’t an issue in landlocked Chicago. However, Chicago does get significant amounts of snow and other cold weather events (like polar vortexes). They also experience tornadoes in the spring and summer.

If you aren’t into winter, then Tampa has the edge over Chicago regarding weather. If you like snowy weather and are worried about weather events like hurricanes, then Chicago may be the better choice for you.

Things to Do

As one of the biggest cities in the United States, Chicago has lots to do. You can visit the Museum of Science and Industry, visit the Shedd Aquarium, take in a game at Wrigley Field, or hang out at the Navy Pier. You can also go to one of a number of beaches along Lake Michigan, see one of Chicago’s many professional sports teams play, or take advantage of Chicago’s great dining scene.

Tampa also has multiple professional sports teams, plus museums like the Dali Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. Busch Gardens is located in Tampa, and both Disney World and Universal Studios are within a couple hours of Tampa.

Where Tampa really stands apart from Chicago is its access to outdoor recreation. You can boat, fish, golf, run, and swim practically year-round at Tampa’s many public parks and beaches (such as Picnic Island, Ben T. Davis, Cypress Point, and Davis Islands). You can also access white sand beaches and crystal clear water along the Gulf of Mexico with just a 20-minute drive to the coast.

Both Chicago and Tampa have great culture, dining, arts, and entertainment. Yet Tampa comes out on top when it comes to having fun outdoors. If you like to spend time outside, then Tampa is probably a better place to live.

Thinking about Buying a House in Hillsborough County? We Can Help

Chicago is a wonderful city with plenty to offer, including a diverse population, great food, and plenty of jobs. However, it is also an expensive - and cold - place to live. Tampa is a smaller city with just as much going for it - all at a far lower cost of living and with great weather year-round.

At Eaton Realty, we know that each client is unique. We take the time to listen to our clients to help them find a house that meets their needs in a neighborhood that suits their lifestyle. Our Tampa Realtors don’t simply hand you a stack of listings; we will devote the time to finding a house that is right for you. We will also help you with each step of the house-buying process, from understanding disclosures to dealing with inspections to negotiating a deal to closing on your new house.

If you are thinking about buying, selling, or renting a house in West Central Florida, we are here to help. We also offer property management services for Tampa landlords. Learn more by filling out our online contact form, or call us at 813-672-8022 to talk to a real estate team member.