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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Chicago is 23% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,380/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 26%
$75,134/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 8%
$315,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 38%
$1,502/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 22%
2,707,648
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $6,017/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Chicago or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Palmdale?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Palmdale?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $6,017/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Palmdale

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