Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Boston, MA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Chicago is 76% cheaper than Boston.

$1,380/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 52%
$75,134/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 26%
$315,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 125%
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 45%
2,707,648
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $19,621/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Boston — common questions

Is Chicago or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Boston?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Boston?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $19,621/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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