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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Oakland

California
195

Chicago is 49% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,380/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 39%
$75,134/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 30%
$315,200 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 193%
$1,502/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 44%
2,707,648
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $537/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,444/year.

Median household income is $22,235/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Oakland — common questions

Is Chicago or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Oakland?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $537/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Oakland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $22,235/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Oakland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Oakland

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield