Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Chicago is 5% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,380/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 8%
$75,134/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 17%
$315,200 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 16%
$1,502/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 11%
2,707,648
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $12,804/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lehigh Acres residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Chicago or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $12,804/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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