Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Chicago is 72% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,380/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 29%
$75,134/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 31%
$315,200 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 62%
$1,502/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 35%
2,707,648
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $404/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,848/year.

Median household income is $22,964/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Lansing — common questions

Is Chicago or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Lansing?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $404/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Lansing?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $22,964/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Lansing

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