Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Eugene, OR (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Eugene

Oregon
111

Chicago is 10% cheaper than Eugene.

$1,380/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,347/mo ↓ 2%
$75,134/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$63,836/yr ↓ 15%
$315,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$435,400 ↑ 38%
$1,502/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,421/mo ↓ 5%
2,707,648
Population
177,520

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Eugene, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,298/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $435,400 in Eugene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Eugene — common questions

Is Chicago or Eugene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Eugene?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Eugene it's $1,347/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Eugene?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $63,836 in Eugene. Median household income is $11,298/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Eugene?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Eugene has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,347/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Eugene details →

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