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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Corona

California
173

Chicago is 42% cheaper than Corona.

$1,380/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,136/mo ↑ 55%
$75,134/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$106,438/yr ↑ 42%
$315,200 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$656,500 ↑ 108%
$1,502/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,280/mo ↑ 52%
2,707,648
Population
158,839

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Corona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $756/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $9,072/year.

Median household income is $31,304/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $656,500 in Corona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Corona — common questions

Is Chicago or Corona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Corona?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Corona it's $2,136/month — a difference of $756/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Corona?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $106,438 in Corona. Median household income is $31,304/year higher in Corona.
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 Corona?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Corona has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,136/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Corona details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Corona

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