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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Richmond

California
161

Chicago is 38% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,380/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 37%
$75,134/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 20%
$315,200 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 106%
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 34%
2,707,648
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $515/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,180/year.

Median household income is $14,904/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Richmond — common questions

Is Chicago or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Richmond?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $515/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Richmond?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $14,904/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Richmond details →

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