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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Chicago is 58% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,380/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 99%
$75,134/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 68%
$315,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 230%
$1,502/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 75%
2,707,648
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,362/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $16,344/year.

Median household income is $51,335/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Chicago or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Cambridge?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,362/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Cambridge?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $51,335/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Cambridge details →

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