Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Las Vegas, NV (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Las Vegas

Nevada
111

Chicago is 11% cheaper than Las Vegas.

$1,380/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,456/mo ↑ 6%
$75,134/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$70,723/yr ↓ 6%
$315,200 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$395,300 ↑ 25%
$1,502/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,452/mo ↓ 3%
2,707,648
Population
650,873

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.85%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 111 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $4,411/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $395,300 in Las Vegas.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Las Vegas residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Las Vegas — common questions

Is Chicago or Las Vegas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Las Vegas?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Las Vegas it's $1,456/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Las Vegas?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $70,723 in Las Vegas. Median household income is $4,411/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Nevada?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Las Vegas?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Las Vegas has a cost index of 111 with rent of $1,456/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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