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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Chicago is 45% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$1,380/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 66%
$75,134/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 46%
$315,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 120%
$1,502/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 55%
2,707,648
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $906/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $10,872/year.

Median household income is $34,377/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Chicago or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $906/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $34,377/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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