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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Modesto

California
120

Chicago is 17% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,380/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 17%
$75,134/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 4%
$315,200 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 32%
$1,502/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 7%
2,707,648
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $2,765/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Modesto — common questions

Is Chicago or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Modesto?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Modesto?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $2,765/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Modesto

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