Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Provo, UT (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Chicago and Provo have a similar cost of living.

$1,380/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 17%
$75,134/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 16%
$315,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 39%
$1,502/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 19%
2,707,648
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $12,334/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Provo — common questions

Is Chicago or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Provo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Provo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $12,334/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Utah?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Provo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Provo

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Provo vs. Waterbury Provo vs. Elgin Provo vs. Carlsbad Provo vs. Odessa Provo vs. East Los Angeles Provo vs. Springfield