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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Chicago is 49% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,380/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 54%
$75,134/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 39%
$315,200 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 173%
$1,502/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 50%
2,707,648
Population
141,278

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 Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $744/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $8,928/year.

Median household income is $29,085/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Chicago or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fullerton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $744/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fullerton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $29,085/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

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