Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL: Housing Market Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side Alpha Scores, affordability, momentum, supply, jobs, and rental yield · scores computed September 2026
Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL side by side
| Metric | ● Chicago, IL | ● Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Score | 46 | 49 |
| Price Momentum | 83 | — |
| Inventory Health | — | 69band 5 of 5 |
| Affordability | 34 | 18 |
| Economic Strength | 21 | 53 |
| Rental Yield | 44 | 54 |
| Median Sale Price | $399K | $384K |
| Price-to-Income | 4.4 | 5.2 |
| Payment-to-Income | 26.8% | 31.3% |
| Months of Supply | 3 | 5 |
| Gross Rental Yield | 4.4% | 5.1% |
| Overvaluation Index | 50 | 80 |
Highlighted = the stronger read for that metric (supply, valuation, and payment burden are better when lower). Income/rent inputs lag annually. Inventory Health is ranked within population bands, so places in different bands (or without one) are not compared on it.
How Chicago, IL and Tampa, FL compare, dimension by dimension
- Affordability: Chicago, IL leads — Chicago, IL 34/100 vs Tampa, FL 18/100.
- Economic Strength: Tampa, FL leads — Chicago, IL 21/100 vs Tampa, FL 53/100.
- Rental Yield: Tampa, FL leads — Chicago, IL 44/100 vs Tampa, FL 54/100.
Frequently asked questions
Which has a higher Alpha Score, Chicago, IL or Tampa, FL?
Tampa, FL scores higher — 49 vs 46 out of 100. The Alpha Score is a 0-100 composite of price momentum, inventory health, affordability, economic strength, and rental yield.
Is Chicago, IL or Tampa, FL more affordable?
Chicago, IL is more affordable on our affordability dimension. Price-to-income is 4.4 in Chicago, IL and 5.2 in Tampa, FL.
What is the median home price in Chicago, IL vs Tampa, FL?
The median sale price is $399K in Chicago, IL and $384K in Tampa, FL.
Want to swap in other cities, change the metrics, or chart the trend over time? Customize this comparison → in the interactive Compare tool. Or read the Chicago, IL market brief and the Tampa, FL brief.