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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Concord

California
187

Chicago is 47% cheaper than Concord.

$1,380/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 61%
$75,134/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↑ 45%
$315,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 140%
$1,502/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 52%
2,707,648
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $846/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,152/year.

Median household income is $34,061/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Concord — common questions

Is Chicago or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Concord?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $846/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Concord?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $34,061/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Concord details →

More Comparisons

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