Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Chicago is 64% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,380/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 31%
$75,134/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 22%
$315,200 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 53%
$1,502/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 33%
2,707,648
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $16,418/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Peoria — common questions

Is Chicago or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Peoria?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Peoria?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $16,418/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Peoria

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo