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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Orange

California
206

Chicago is 51% cheaper than Orange.

$1,380/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 63%
$75,134/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 56%
$315,200 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 186%
$1,502/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 59%
2,707,648
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $41,811/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Orange — common questions

Is Chicago or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Orange?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Orange?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $41,811/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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