Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Chicago is 6% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,380/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 2%
$75,134/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 25%
$315,200 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 20%
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 2%
2,707,648
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,550/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Chicago or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $18,550/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Bridgeport

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