Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Chicago is 25% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,380/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 4%
$75,134/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 9%
$315,200 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 95%
$1,502/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 3%
2,707,648
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $6,756/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Chicago or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $6,756/year higher in Chicago.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View East Los Angeles details →

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