Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,484
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From: Sarasota, Florida
Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL
I know what the obvious differences are (year round riding), but I was wondering about the cost of living. Can some of you shed some light on the pro & cons of the Tampa area? Thanks in advance.
Account Retired
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: On Parole - Grays Creek, North Carolina
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Tampa Bay
I live in St Petersburg and work in Chicago through the week. I've only been working in Chicago since October but have been doing the same comparison as I will most likey relocate to Chicago if I get promoted. From what I've seen so far traffic and commutes are much worse in Chicago. All taxes are higher in Chicago. Florida doesn't have a state income tax and the sales tax is around 7%. Property insurance is probably a little higher in Tampa. People seem nicer in Chicago and there is more to do.
If you like riding Tampa will be closer to many more bike events and you can ride all year. Good luck! So far I like Tampa better but I haven't been in Chicago during the summer.
If you like riding Tampa will be closer to many more bike events and you can ride all year. Good luck! So far I like Tampa better but I haven't been in Chicago during the summer.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Conroe Texas
Chicago = Communist level taxes, great food, fun people, not allowed to carry a gun but probably need to in some areas.
Tampa = year round riding, okay food, all different types of people from all over the country, can carry a gun and never use it.
Tampa = year round riding, okay food, all different types of people from all over the country, can carry a gun and never use it.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 559
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From: La Vergne, TN
Chicago - never been there and no interest to. Hate big cities.
Tampa area - tons to do - ride all year, very affordable housing, beaches, ride all year, bike events, great fishing, ride all year, no state income taxes, good looking girls in skimpy clothing, no helmet laws. Did I mention you can ride all year?
Tampa area - tons to do - ride all year, very affordable housing, beaches, ride all year, bike events, great fishing, ride all year, no state income taxes, good looking girls in skimpy clothing, no helmet laws. Did I mention you can ride all year?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 379
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From: Central Wisconsin
I just did a cost of living comparison on a money site. If you earn $60000. in Tampa it shows you would need to earn $69800. This site only compared housing, food, medical, transportation and I think utilities, No taxes figured yet for more savings.
We used to live in Clearwater FL(next to Tampa) and have been through Chicago several times, I would prefer Tampa anytime over Chicago.
We used to live in Clearwater FL(next to Tampa) and have been through Chicago several times, I would prefer Tampa anytime over Chicago.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Roselle, IL
Born and raised in Chicago. Moved to Melbourne Fl in Sept 2009. Good points I ride now just about every day. Cost of living about the same. Homes are cheaper. I miss the food in Chicago. I still spend the summers in Chicago. Best of both worlds. It is quite toasty to ride in Florida in the summer.Cooler at night. Good luck. Bob.
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MODERATOR
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From: New England
As you suggested, geographically, the climate differences are obvious.
Weather: summers are quite a bit longer in Tampa. Can be HOT and HUMID May thru September with severe thunderstorms most everyday (not to mention the hurricanes that pass through once in a while). While heating bills are usually low, cooling costs can be high (but AC systems reduce the amount of moisture cutting down on mold issues...and mold can become a very big issue very quickly).
Yes, winters in Tampa can be very comfortable (and cold too). But spend a couple weeks there during the summer to understand the "warmer" times of the year.
Traffic: if you can handle that up north, it shouldn't be much of an issue in Tampa but the area has a LOT of traffic. But getting caught in traffic on a HOT and HUMID summer afternoon with an approaching storm is NOT fun as the population density is very high with more then 1100 people per square mile (I know, not like Chicago but you get the idea).
Housing: I have a good friend that's a realtor just northwest of Tampa and says it's a buyer's market right now. Lots to choose from.
Health care: several good hospitals including USF (a teaching hospital).
Crime: I use to work for the SO (Criminal unit)...crime rate in the greater Tampa area is higher than the national average in almost every category.
Like most big cities, Tampa doesn't offer good riding...you need to get away from the populated areas and that's becoming much more difficult.
Hope that helps!
Last edited by Pine Tree; Jan 14, 2010 at 06:31 PM. Reason: spelling
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: NW NC
I don't mean to come across as sounding crass but if I had an opportunity to get out of Chicago I would do it in a heartbeat, even if it meant going further north. Only been there a few times for a few days at a time attending meetings but could not wait to get on a plane back home. Just me but never been a fan of big cities, crowds and especially traffic jams. I have spent some time in many of the US major cities and love the country living. Have not been to Tampa but have been to Orlando, Miami, Cocoa Beach and being able to ride all year would make the decision a no brainer.