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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Chicago is 24% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,380/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 23%
$75,134/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 11%
$315,200 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 54%
$1,502/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 17%
2,707,648
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $8,619/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Chicago or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Sacramento?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Sacramento?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $8,619/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Sacramento details →

More Comparisons

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