Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Chicago is 12% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,380/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 29%
$75,134/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↑ 4%
$315,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$327,700 ↑ 4%
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ≈ Same
2,707,648
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $401/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $4,812/year.

Median household income is $3,003/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Chicago or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $401/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $3,003/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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