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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Chicago is 60% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,380/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 54%
$75,134/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 44%
$315,200 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 329%
$1,502/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 56%
2,707,648
Population
120,223

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $33,424/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Chicago or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Berkeley?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Berkeley?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $33,424/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Berkeley

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach