Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Chicago is 27% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,380/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 8%
$75,134/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 13%
$315,200 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 35%
$1,502/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 22%
2,707,648
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $9,942/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Chicago or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Dearborn?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Dearborn?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $9,942/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Dearborn

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa