Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Chicago is 14% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,380/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 2%
$75,134/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 10%
$315,200 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 26%
$1,502/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 10%
2,707,648
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,376/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Hampton — common questions

Is Chicago or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Hampton?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Hampton?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $7,376/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Hampton details →

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