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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Riverside

California
144

Chicago is 31% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,380/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 31%
$75,134/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 18%
$315,200 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 72%
$1,502/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 25%
2,707,648
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $13,441/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Riverside — common questions

Is Chicago or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Riverside?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Riverside?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $13,441/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Riverside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Riverside

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