Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Anaheim, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Anaheim

California
182

Chicago is 45% cheaper than Anaheim.

$1,380/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,082/mo ↑ 51%
$75,134/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,583/yr ↑ 21%
$315,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$771,700 ↑ 145%
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,165/mo ↑ 44%
2,707,648
Population
344,553

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Anaheim, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $15,449/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $771,700 in Anaheim.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Anaheim — common questions

Is Chicago or Anaheim cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Anaheim?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Anaheim it's $2,082/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Anaheim?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $90,583 in Anaheim. Median household income is $15,449/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,082/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Anaheim details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Anaheim

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Anaheim vs. Honolulu Anaheim vs. Henderson Anaheim vs. Cleveland Anaheim vs. Lexington Anaheim vs. New Orleans Anaheim vs. Stockton