Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Chicago vs Tampa-St. Petersburg

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Chicago$4,786

Tampa-St. Petersburg$5,096

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Chicago$1,781

Tampa-St. Petersburg$1,977

Left after rent

Chicago$3,005

Tampa-St. Petersburg$3,119

Thinking about moving from Chicago to Tampa-St. Petersburg on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,786/mo in Chicago and $5,096/mo in Tampa-St. Petersburg after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,005/mo in Chicago vs $3,119/mo in Tampa-St. Petersburg. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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