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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Chicago is 56% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,380/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 76%
$75,134/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 60%
$315,200 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 232%
$1,502/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 62%
2,707,648
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,044/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $12,528/year.

Median household income is $44,751/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Chicago or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,044/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $44,751/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Huntington Beach

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