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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Chicago is 16% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,380/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 9%
$75,134/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 2%
$315,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 40%
$1,502/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 6%
2,707,648
Population
112,818

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $1,526/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Gresham — common questions

Is Chicago or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Gresham?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Gresham?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $1,526/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 Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Gresham

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