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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Glendale

California
214

Chicago is 53% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,380/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 52%
$75,134/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 12%
$315,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 231%
$1,502/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 47%
2,707,648
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $9,128/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Glendale — common questions

Is Chicago or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Glendale?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Glendale?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $9,128/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Glendale

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville